The Joy Before Him

My Savior, pure and holy,
Took all my sins one day;
He died in shame and sorrow,
God’s face was turned away.

Why did He choose to do it?
How did the Lord endure?
He saw the joy before Him
And counted it as sure.

That joy had many facets:
The Father would be pleased,
And He would be exalted,
God’s wrath would be appeased.

But one thing seems surprising –
His joy in part was me,
My life as His disciple
He looked with joy to see.

He died so He could save me
From sin and death and hell
And so with zeal I’d serve Him
And please the Father well.

Oh, what a motivation
To gladly do what’s right
That I might please my Savior
Who died for this delight!

Christina Joy Hommes

Based on: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:5-11; Titus 2:13-14; Isaiah 53:10-11; Galatians 1:3-5