We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 

 

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Messiah, keep seeking the things above—where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

 

Hebrews 12:2 

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, 

We need models for anything and everything. Role models. When we are young, we imitate. Our parents, teachers,… Above everything, we need to have one, who is our model, who has to be our model for anything and everything. That is our Lord, Jesus Christ. As believers, we have to behave like Jesus, we have to walk the way He walked, we have to talk the way He talked, we have to show compassion as He showed compassion, we have to forgive, as He forgave. The same mindset, the same mentality of Christ be with you.

 

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, 

The cross is the cruelest of punishment. That is why the Roman rulers in those days kept that as the capital punishment for criminals against the regime. That punishment was pronounced against Jesus.

Disregarding its shame.

It is in fact the most shameful thing to be crucified. Removed of all your dress, it leaves you in such a vulnerable position, rip you of even the last dignity. Nailed on the wooden cross, from which you cannot even move away. How could Jesus endure everything?

BECAUSE OF THE JOY AWAITING HIM.

What is that joy? The mankind that was seduced by the enemy, lost the fellowship with the Father, now being brought back to the banquet, that is awaiting for Him. For you and I, He gave us the right to call God “Appa.” Jesus is our big brother. Seeing us all redeemed and coming to the Father—that was His great desire. I think He was meditating upon those glorious moments when He was going through the excruciating pain.

 

NOW, HE IS SEATED IN THE PLACE OF HONOR BESIDE GOD’S THRONE. The place of honor is the right side, and that place is reserved for Jesus. What a great joy for all of us! What is He doing? HE IS NOW INTERCEDING WITH THE FATHER FOR OUR PRYERS. He is telling, “Abba, my brother is struggling, my sister is struggling. He/she needs assistance.” All that we express in our prayers, even those prayers that Holy Spirit prays through us, goes to the Father through Him.

 

 

YOU WILL COMMAND. Because you are God’s choicest. The price of everything that’s been paid on the cross. Believe you are protected.