Why? Why would He care to know my name and feel my heart and carry my pain? What motivated Him to descend from heaven, take on flesh and blood, subject himself to scorn and ridicule and insult, allow himself to be misunderstood, misrepresented, betrayed, abandoned, falsely accused, condemned, humiliated, and murdered? Why did Jesus do it?

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12.2) He did it for JOY. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and that your joy might be complete.” (John 15.11) It was it is and it will always be for JOY.

So why will you rise up and worship Him today? He doesn’t not want you to come out of necessity or duty or superstition or religious discipline. He wants you to come for JOY. “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” (John Piper)