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

I usually refer to the verse above as part of the necessary focus of the Christian life, but often miss the impact of the phrase, “because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross.”

Can you think of something you endured for a positive outcome? I think of hearing someone take on the challenge of training for a marathon. Maybe, you can remember endure sitting in a dentist chair for a procedure so that you enjoy a good meal.

Any of these pale in comparison to the shame and pain Christ endured, but He knew the joy of what salvation meant for those who follow Him. Isaiah prophesied as much –

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:11-12