The Joy that Was Set Before Him

In order for us to understand our theme more fully, let’s take a look at some of the components of the rest of the verse. He is the author and finisher of our faith. An author is one who creates, composes, assimilates, and/or explains a plot, idea, or belief. To finish it is to formulate his thoughts, put them in logical order, and to finally entrust them into a tangible form.

The whole idea of redemption was accomplished through the thought, plan, process, and accomplishment of the Godhead. What the Father planned, the Son provided, and the Spirit completed. As the author and finisher of our salvation, Jesus did every Heavenly and earthly task required of Him to bring into fruition our salvation.

The whole process is couched in an overall atmosphere of joy. That surely sounds like a conflict of ideas. Certainly the whole procedure of the cross was abhorrent to our Lord. It was not a fun day. The circumstances involved in His crucifixion were very unhappy. One could examine them in every fashion and find no trace of enthusiasm and happiness.

In exploring the concept of the joy of Christ, several factors are brought to light:

1. There is a distinct difference between “joy” and “happiness.” Happiness is intermittent and conditional whereas the joy of the Lord is abiding, abounding, and unceasing.
2. The joy of the Lord is generated by the inner presence of the Holy Spirit and is like a fountain, always seeking means of expression.
3. Joy does not always express itself in a joyous demeanor, a carefree attitude, or a cheerful word.
4. In its deepest sense, the joy of the Lord has the idea of completeness, assurance, and expectation. It causes one to see inwardly those blessed things that are hidden to the human eye and unheard by the human ear, often pondering them in the heart without overt expression. It frequently manifests itself as a song of the heart that is not geared to or dependent on people and circumstances.

The words “set before Him” are fraught with meaning. The Greek used word used to translate these words only appears five times in the NT, three of those times are in the Book of Hebrews. In their usage, they express several different meanings, such as:

1. An enhancement or enticement. It speaks of the prize toward which one labors. There can be no doubt that the inheritance of Jesus was a prize worthy to be sought.
2. It also proffers the concept of something that is settled and thus, unchangeable.
3. The cross was not an option to be questioned but a certainty to be actuated. The Lord Jesus experienced inwardly, while suffering outwardly at the worst of His trials, the motivating and persevering enablement of the joy of obedience. No matter how bad it got, that joy was always there making it possible for Him to get through it all.
4. It presents the thought of something being “set forth,” such as an exhibition or testimony. Jesus was put on public display. He had all the power needed to resist Pilate and the Sanhedrin. He could have called twelve legions of angel to His rescue. He chose instead to be put on public display, scorning the injustices and indignity of it, being the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. He, in His death, conquered the machinations of the devil and the madness of men. Through it all He publicly demonstrated the love, sacrifice, and commitment of the Father to the salvation of a lost humanity.
5. It has the idea of one having a willing mind, i. e. the willingness of obedience. Jesus warned that one should count the cost of obedience. He demonstrated the willingness of obedience inherent in one who has indeed counted the cost and has a willing mind and spirit to face whatever that cost may be.

During the dark days that all of us experience from time to time in our pursuit of obedience, it is necessary, no, it is imperative, that we “look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” He alone has set the pace, given the example, and now provides the power for us to be faithful.

Jeff