Unspeakable
Gladness
Jesus
. . . for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb. 12:2, R.S.V.
"These things have I spoken unto you," said Christ, "that my
joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11.
Ever before
Him, Christ saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil
and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not have all
this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would
restore in humanity the image of God. He would lift us up from the dust, reshape
the character after the pattern of His own character, and make it beautiful
with His own glory.
Christ
saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He viewed the expanse of
eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should
receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions,
bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him,
and with His stripes they were healed. He heard the shout of the redeemed.
He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Although
the baptism of blood must first be received, although the sins of the world
were to weigh upon His innocent soul, although the shadow of an unspeakable
woe was upon Him; yet for the joy that was set before Him He chose to endure
the cross and despised the shame.
This joy
all His followers are to share. However great and glorious hereafter, our
reward is not all to be reserved for the time of final deliverance. Even here
we are by faith to enter into the Savior’s joy.
To those
who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God
may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout eternity. If, during
this life, they are loyal to God, they will at last "see His face; and
His name shall be in their foreheads." Revelation 22:4. And what is the
happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner
saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him
as Father?
