On the morning of Shavuot, as I was entering God’s presence with thanksgiving, I got to the part where I thank Jesus for coming to the earth to save me from my sins and therefore from hell. Although I had prayed this many times before, that morning I had a revelation from Holy Spirit that Jesus also saved me primarily into my Papa’s hands and thus into His family. And that applies now, not when I die. “Jesus endured the Cross for the joy set before Him.” (Heb 12:2) Whose joy? It was primarily the joy of His Father’s heart since Jesus always did those things that pleased His Father (see John 8:29).
Also, Jesus had in mind our joy, the joy of the angels (see Luke 15:10), and lastly His joy. So, what is the most important thing in the Universe? It’s our Heavenly Father’s heart! And therefore, like Jesus, we should seek to bring joy to it.
My Father’s Heart
I prayed for more revelation of this truth during this Pentecost season from the Spirit of Revelation in the knowledge of Him (see Eph 1:17), in particular, our Father and His heart. We are to set our mind on things above (Col 3:2), especially our Father’s heart, and how we can bring joy to it and put a smile on His face. The Westminster Catechism says “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Perhaps it should read, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and bring joy to His heart forever.” This would totally focus on our Heavenly Father and His heart.
Furthermore, Holy Spirit also seeks to bring joy to Father God’s heart, by working in us. “….for it is God (Holy Spirit) who works in you both to will and to do for His (Father God’s) good pleasure” (Phil 2:13).
He Embraced The Cross
Every morning I pray, “Holy Spirit help me, moreover cause me to walk in the good works my Father has prepared for me, so that I may bring joy to His heart and put a smile on His face (see Ezek 36:27; Eph 2;10). In the Lord’s Prayer, I often pray: “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, that is, bring glory to Your name and joy to Your heart, in and through me and my household today, and thus fulfill Your purpose for creating us (Isa 43:7; John 8:29).
Because of His Father’s joy set before Him, Jesus not only endured the Cross, but He embraced the Cross. (This was beautifully portrayed in the film The Passion, where Jesus can be seen hugging His cross at the start). Therefore, I should also daily take up and hug my cross (which is doing my Papa’s will), with Holy Spirit’s help, and thus bring joy to His heart (see Matt 16:24).
