September 23 Jesus’ Joy

Luke 24:52-53 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
 
With Great Joy – Part 3
 
YOU may be wondering, “Jesus had joy?” After all, he struggled for 40 days in a desert then faced the devil’s temptations. Each day of his ministry seemed to contain conflict and rejection even as he healed and resurrected. Several times the Jews tried to kill him. Worst of all, our Lord fulfilled the awful suffering the prophets proclaimed he would endure as from Isaiah 53:2-5 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see him, There is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised, and we did not esteem him. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.”
     Yes, there seems to be little room for joy in Jesus’ ministry and his church. We seldom preach, teach and discuss Jesus’ joy. After all, we must focus on “suffering”, “sacrifice”, “serving” and “dying to self”, right? Jesus even said that true discipleship means that, “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Being Jesus’ disciple is a suffering, sacrificing, llife-and-death commitment! Living for Jesus requires grit, determination and perseverance. Oh, yes. And it requires joy. Really?
     Let’s see how this is true by going first to Luke 10:19-22 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight.”
     Do you see Jesus’ response to the work of the 72 disciples’ healing and deliverance? He “rejoiced in the Spirit.” Why was Jesus so filled with the Spirit’s joy? The answer to this question helps us link the cross with Jesus’ joy that transcends to his disciples.
     Yes, Jesus was joyous that the disciples had done a great work. Then even more, he rejoiced that the disciples’ victory over disease and demons was evidence that they would forever remain with Jesus. Jesus then is filled with joy! His joy even overflows into their lives. He rejoices in their salvation! Jesus loved these “babes” (Have you considered yourself a babe in Chirst? It means “as a child”.) As a loving parent who wants only the best for a child, Jesus is thanking and praising the Father that these men have received the Father’s best – eternal life! Think about it. As you confess Jesus, “My Lord and Savior.” Jesus rejoices! From there, the “joy door” swings wide open. His loving joy flows over into you. With Jesus’ joy pouring into you, you have the Spirit’s gift to empower you increasingly experience a sure faithful life.
     Rejoice! Your well-being is rooted into the God who doesn’t change.
 
Prayer: From Psalms 35:27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” Amen.