Complete Joy

John 17:13-16 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within my disciples. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
 
ONE reason for Jesus’ prayer is to, “say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” even as the devil will assault them.
   How can Jesus’ disciples have joy – the full measure of Jesus’ joy – amid opposition and temptation? How will joy find room in their hearts when their beloved Jesus is gone?
   What is joy? Jesus connects joy to a believer’s active love for him and for others. For example, he taught complete joy is the fruit of obeying Jesus and living in his love: John 15:10 “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” And Luke reports Jesus’ joy as the Father blesses his disciples to heal on a particular mission. It is evidence their “names are written in Heaven.” (Luke 10:20c) Joy is the sum of a faithful life that strives to live in complete agreement with the Lord. Joy is to know in your heart of God’s special care and protection over your eternal soul, even as the world opposes you.
   The disciples would first know this complete joy when they see the
resurrected Lord ascended to Heaven. While Jesus was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into Heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. (Luke 24:51-52) There is no greater intimacy with Christ than to know, “Jesus is my Savior. In him I have eternal life.” Countless people throughout the ages have lovingly and joyfully surrendered their lives to hateful persecution because they fully knew Jesus saves. Joy is a shield to protect our souls.
   If you experience this faithful relationship with Jesus, remain in joy. Live in joy knowing Jesus is joyful you are saved.