Hebrews 12 :1-3...... we are surrounded by great cloud of witness ,(vs 2) says fixing our eyes on Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him, ENDURED the cross, willing to die a shameful death because he know the joy that will be his afterwards. NOW is seated in the place of highest honor, besides Gods throne. (Vs 3).....think about all that he endured, ( betrayal, accusation, beating, the cross, the crown of thongs) so that you don't become weary and give up. So that when you face opposition you will not believe any lie from hell and call it quit, throw in the towel.
Jesus made sure of finishing the task of coming in the first place .....pouring himself out as a sacrifice and going to hell to strip the devil of his power.
The Sovereign God could have Finish , complete and seal the task in the spirit.......but he needed a physical manifestation for the sake of you and I. That we might have something to look back and refer to,as a point of contact.......
The "JOY" that the children of a Covenant Keeping God, being strengthened, liberated ,and subdue the enemy made Jesus endure the cross, which now made him seated in the highest honor.
So when ever you are being faced with an opposition, a war or a power struggle, remember the author and the perfecter of your faith as we run this race. THROW OFF anything that might hinder you and look at the JOY that is set before you............................................., Picture this JOY for a moment!!!!
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses both in the Old and New and in this 21st Century.
!!! God will be Glorified !!!