Anticipation is a wonderful thing…mostly. A few years ago, my wife and I were building a house and could not wait to make it our home! But with our excitement came the harsh reality of the cost. Every time we got the thrill of choosing just what we wanted, from cabinets and counters to appliances, we were confronted with the price. And it was not cheap! I don’t tell you this for pity because, at the end of the day, the excitement of our “dream home” far outweighed the cost. In short, it was worth it!

Hebrews tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. The cross meant there was a price to pay for the redemption of people. The people that God so loves. But the cross was far worse than an upcharge on appliances; it meant death, a brutal death. And Jesus, being fully human, with real emotions, considered this road of redemption and asked His Father if there was another way. The cost was beyond comprehension…the very life of Jesus. But for the joy set before Him, He endured it. That joy was you! To our God, you are worth the immeasurable cost of what happened at the cross. Jesus was willing to pay whatever it took to set you free from sin, death, shame, and condemnation. It is His joy to make you a new creation, joined to Him, and growing in grace. You are His “dream home” and you are not cheap! Weigh that against whatever happens, and however, you may feel today, fixing your eyes on Him and remembering how valuable you are!

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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