And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

When my younger sibling was born, my dad was beyond excited to have a baby boy. He was so excited, in fact, that when the nurse told him my sister had been born, he argued that they were talking about the wrong baby. He anticipated a boy, his boy, and nothing that was said about a pink blanket made any sense to my father for many confusing, comical minutes.

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When reality begins to deviate from our firmly held assumptions, many of us find ourselves in this same situation. No matter what evidence someone else may have on their side, reality doesn’t seem to make any sense. How could it, when we had already decided it was going to go another way?

The disciples were no exception to this aspect of our humanity. After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to his disciples ten times before his final ascension to heaven. During his last appearance, the disciples asked, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).

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Despite years of following Jesus, hearing his teachings, witnessing miracles, addressing injustices, and challenging the status quo, they still did not fully grasp Jesus' true mission on earth. The Lord had conquered death and bestowed eternal life, but all the disciples could inquire about was the specific situation they had long anticipated—the same scenario their ancestors had passed down through generations.

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What they failed to realize was that in anticipating the fall of Rome, they overlooked the purpose of the rising of our Lord and Savior.

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Just about 450 years after Jesus’ death, Rome fell. Imagine if all Jesus came for was to overthrow Rome a few centuries early? The disciples didn’t know to ask for heaven until after Jesus had left, because they had yet to learn God’s ultimate desire, that earth would be restored to its heavenly design and that we would live with him in his glory for eternity. He sent his Son to tell us of this promise and to prove that he doesn’t give us simply what we ask for; he gives us what we need, which is holier than we could ever imagine.

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In Hebrews 12:2, it is mentioned that Jesus "endured the cross" for the "joy set before him... at the right hand of the throne of God." Jesus didn't endure the cross merely to occupy a high position in heaven; he endured it for the joy that would be fulfilled, knowing that his people now have the opportunity to share in that glory. He desired to grant us not only freedom, but heaven.

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What expectations of God are keeping you from seeing his bigger plan for your life? Where might you be focused on victory in this life, while he is pointing you toward his victory for all eternity? Jesus didn’t come to acquire 450 years of freedom. He came to establish his joy and glory, forever.

Lord, thank you for granting us your Word so that we can know you. My understanding of right and wrong is fragile, and I don't always see the big picture because I am fixated on what I think I need. Yet, you go before me, leading the way to a joy that is everlasting and beyond my comprehension. Thank you for being my shepherd and designing me to be yours. Being your child brings me the greatest joy. I love you! Amen.