google-site-verification=KLXbZs4REiiyFtR470rdTak3XcyrQkzDDVZoqK_r5hQ
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.” Jesus words will lead to full joy in his disciples. There is joy in the full knowledge of Jesus. But how can the disciples have joy as they witness the cross? How will joy find room in their hearts when their beloved Jesus is gone? What is joy? Jesus connects joy to an active love for him and for others. For example, he taught complete joy comes in response to obeying his commands: 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 is joyful the Father blesses his disciples to heal. It is evidence their “names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20c) Joy is the sum of a faithful life in complete agreement with the Lord. Joy is to experience God's special care and protection. You celebrate in your heart the victory over death God brings to you now and forever. The disciples will know this complete joy when they see the resurrected Lord ascended to heaven. There is no greater intimacy with Christ than to know, “Jesus is my Savior. In him I have eternal life.” Joy, too, is a shield to protect our souls. As God keeps us on earth to speak and live out the gospel, we know people will oppose us. Some are silent. Some are verbal. Many turn from us as we strive to be faithful to Jesus’ commands. If you experience this faithful relationship with Jesus, remain in joy. Know the Lord is your Shepherd. He provides all you need. He has prepared an eternal home for you. This life last but a while. Live in joy knowing you do not live in the world’s dark valleys of sin. In joy do as Jesus has done because you know you are going where Jesus has gone. Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the joy of your salvation. I pray I know this joy deep in my heart. Amen. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorBob James Archives
January 2025
Categories |