"But for the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross...." I do so wish I could send music through as a resonse to this, but since I can`t, let me say something here. My wife, who passed away suddenly, was a writer of praise music, both lyrics and music. She wrote a beautiful song about just this topic and it opened my eyes to what exactly happens here. The "joy" set before Christ was me!!! And was YOU!!! Yes, there was sorrow in that man had left and lost the relationship with the Father, but Christ counted as "joy" the act of His sacrifice for us. I am stunned by His love for me and what it took to redeem mankind. Notice that Jesus did not ask the people in the upper room if they appreciated what He had done, He didn`t tell them that they should be so thankful for what He suffered, He just loved them and gave them comfort in that time of fear. He was "joyful" that He was able, more than able, to correct a terminal condition of man....death. If we only accept it as fact and act on it.
One of the most humbling thoughts, maybe THE most humbling thought for me, is to think that during the crucifiction Jesus saw through the pain and suffering to "count as joy" all that for ME!! Wow! How much does God love us? We cannot even begin to fathom God`s love when He "counts as joy" the suffering on the cross and the torment in hell, and it is all for us.
Praise God for loving me, a sinner,
Charlie
Wow, this response by Charlie cannot be improved upon; at least not by me in a personal sense. My own "appreciation" of this act of God through Christ sometimes seems head knowledge; other times, I am saddened that mankind was so fallen and had to be redeemed in such a brutal and unfair way in Jesus's suffering. It is almost painful to say that His suffering seems so massive; yet, it is personal and I know that.
So, personally there is the fruit of the Spirit which includes "joy" and that is not manufactured in the spiritual sense. Example: I joyfully bear some things in my concern for the lost, especially lost family. But, it is joy if I were to be persecuted because I know I'm in the sheep fold so-to-speak. This joy isn't an emotion. It's something that is spiritual in that I always acknowledge it as Christ in me for if He were not present, I wouldn't care for the lost nor risk being rejected for Christ and talking about Him. I've not been persecuted like those who really suffer in the underground church or Iran, et al, but it does still have that "joyful sting" to have some rejection and scoffing by those you love most.
Then, sorrow is that which isn't spiritual (IMHO), but where Christ shares in our sufferings and knows what it is like to be human and experience what we go through. To me, it is the dualism of Spirit and flesh. It is painful to have Satan mess with us. But, I have noticed some help from The Helper, The Comforter knowing that He is on my side despite all. However, believe me, I am still swinging in my soul oftentimes. Yet, it's not reality. That battle is going on right next to you in the spirit realm. So close, you can almost feel it sometimes, like breathing. I've had dark figures over me in the middle of the night before during times when Satan most wanted me destroyed. Thankfully, I had a great bible teacher who told me about rebuking demons.
I bring up the above simply because when you are getting knocked down in ministry, especially sharing the Gospel, it is really spiritual in nature. I keep going back and rebuking, but always praying. Really, saying "May the Lord rebuke you". He can take care of it.
Radar, I hope this helps. I don't have an "answer' except from that personal experience you requested. I think Charlie's response is really the crux of it. It is about Christ and the enemy has no power over us.
I pray in Jesus's name Father God, that Radar would receive your blessings on him as he ministers, shares the Gospel and serves you and loves you that You show Him your love and make him aware of what's going on and how he ought to respond in faith. Bless Radar and give him perseverance to pursue despite the enemy. Give him reminders daily to take up Your "armor" and just believe.
Blessings,
Candice
PS Must have been writing this as Meema was writing her response. I agree with her too; wholeheartedly!
(keep looking up!)
