What was the joy before Jesus? What was he focused on that allowed him to get to the end? Often in a race, they will set out the trophies and place them on table for all the runners to see, before the race has been run. They show first, second, and third place. You can go over and handle the prize before you set out on the race. It inspires you. It gives you a focal point: I want that trophy and so I will push through the pain and agony and struggles that come along with the race.
On the trophy table that Jesus previewed before the cross was…you. Jesus endured the cross because he could see our salvation. He not only endured the cross and despised the shame, he had joy in him. God will show you the outcome of things to give you a heavenly joy even before the race has begun.
He will say this is what I will do. Jesus said, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit will give you a dream, a prophecy, an imprint of what is to come. This is what is going to happen. What lies ahead. With that, he implants joy in you. This is evidence of his outcome, his joy, his fulfillment of his plan for you. It’s the glorious assurance of the outcome of your race.