Day 30: For the Joy Set Before Us
Intention
To follow the example of Jesus’ obedience and humility, as we share the gospel truth.
Scripture
“‘And I, when I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all men unto myself.’ He said this to show the type of death He was going to die.”
– John 12:32–33
Reflection
Jesus’ death was the greatest public spectacle of humiliation, anguish and love. Lifted up from the earth before all of mankind, He humbled Himself to the point of death – even death on a gruesome Roman cross (Phil 2:8).
Jesus willingly endured the shame of every lash, thorn and nail. All for the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2) – the joy of all men being drawn unto Himself (John 12:32). The joy that He would make a way for all to come to the Father through Himself (John 14:6).
Wow.
As I reflect on my experience sharing the gospel of truth, I am continually and deeply challenged by the example of our LORD Jesus. As the Holy Spirit leads me, I cannot think of one excuse not to tell others about the reason for the hope within me. Jesus nullified my every excuse on the cross. What hardship could my sharing of the truth produce that Jesus did not endure? Insult? Betrayal? Humiliation? Pain? Even, death?
Yet I can find myself inwardly justifying my lack of obedience to the Holy Spirit. Yes, I want them to know Jesus. But sometimes, I’m not keen to be the vessel to tell them the good news.
I know I am not alone in this wrestle. As we also see in the disciples, the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41). Yet God is so patient with us and abundant in mercy!
I am so grateful we have a high priest who compassionately sympathises with our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted and tested in every way that we are – the very One who sweated blood at Gethsemane (Heb 4:15–16).
So often, we can view this wrestle in evangelism as weakness or failure. But it is a beautiful thing. Our struggle to go is a sign of love. It’s a sign that we so highly value the joy set before us. But we also know the price we must pay.
Jesus counted the cost as He sweated blood (Luke 22:44) – but chose to obey the Father. Let us take comfort that the One who had His own struggle – and prevailed – is with us to help us in ours! He is with us to help us obey the call of God to ‘go’ and become the express outworking of His love. All glory to God!
The joy set before Jesus was the glorification of the Father and perfect communion with us. As we share (however small) in His sufferings (1 Peter 4:13), we too receive the great honour of sharing in that same joy. And not just us, but all who will humbly respond to the transforming message we have been commissioned to share. Praise the LORD!
Let us not forget the example of Jesus and the joy set before Him – and us.
Video
Prayer
LORD Jesus, thank You for Your perfect love to a broken world. Deepen our desire to follow Your example of obedience to the Father!
Teach us to be obedient in the wrestle – clay that is soft and pliable in Your hands. May our sharing of Your truth show the world that we are a people who love You and them above everything – even more than our lives. And as we obey the Holy Spirit, may the joy set before us deepen and increase to overflowing!
Have Your way in us, LORD.
We love You, amen.
Author Bio
Joelle Cullen is a 24-year-old doctor of medicine student, completing her final years of study at the Hervey Bay Hospital, QLD. An active member of the Canberra Declaration, Joelle is passionate about seeing the next generation of young people arise and run, by the power of the Holy Spirit, into the fullness of what Jesus won at the cross.
Prayer Points and Purpose for GO Month 2024
- To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. 1 Chron 16:23–31.
- To pray for revival, repentance and deliverance for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Acts 2:1–41.
- To pray for five people by name to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20.
We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ His Son.
Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:
DATES: Every night in May
TIME: 8 PM (AEST); 7:30 PM (ACST); 6 PM (AWST)
ZOOM URL LINK: https://zoom.us/j/776881184
Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.
View GO Month 2024 devotionals on the Daily Declaration website.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Recent Articles:
4 November 2024
6.2 MINS
The effort to blast away the ability of the Internet to have a verified history fits neatly into the stakeholder model of information distribution that has clearly been prioritised on a global level.
4 November 2024
1.5 MINS
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet recently published its independent inquiry into the COVID-19 Response in Australia. More, not less, bureaucratic control seems to be the theme of the report. A Royal Commission is well overdue.
4 November 2024
2.7 MINS
As Australia’s electricity system which charges EVs is overwhelmingly powered by fossil fuels, particularly coal, it is disingenuous to say that more electric vehicles will lead to a reduction in emissions.
4 November 2024
6 MINS
As even non-believers understand, the November 5 election in the United States will be hugely significant – for good or ill. Believers especially need to think clearly and biblically about all this.
4 November 2024
3.1 MINS
Can I share a secret with you? Only on the condition that you promise not to tell anyone else. The secret is: “My wife makes me look good.” She supports me in my work, and also notices when we need some healthy downtime!
1 November 2024
3.6 MINS
Anthony Albanese’s alternative to a COVID Royal Commission has recommended Labor create a centralised source for information and control during a public health crisis.