For the Joy Set Before Him

Remember the old tv show called "Perry Mason?"  He was like a black and white version of Matlock.  On those shows, attorneys are always trying to establish motive.  Like a good detective, I'm always thinking about motive these days.  I watch people running themselves ragged trying to beat back the tide of this AIDS crisis and the words of Jerry Springer come to mind: "Take care of yourselves... and each other."  I see few people doing either.  Wouldn't it be a shame to see relief workers, burnt out and disillusioned, added to the list of victims?  I keep wanting to tell people to relax, say "no," take a break, make love, go to a movie, buy those shoes, or whatever else it is that you do to keep yourself sane.  

I was thinking about Jesus today.  You know, that guy whose life and death was all about serving others?  (I grew up with his cousin who had the same name, but had a life and death mostly about not drinking, smoking, or having sex.)  I found this selfless Jesus in college and then in the various Christian circles I've run in since.  He's a nice guy.  Really nice.  I was trying to talk to him today but he was taking someone to the clinic.  But in my search I found another Jesus in Hebrews 12.  "For the joy set before him he endured the cross."  Joy?  Now there's an interesting motive.