Jesus Gives us Joy! (Rejoice in the Lord-Day 2)
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, teach us to come to you in good times and in difficult times. Affirm your word to us, “until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete,” (John 16:24, NIV).
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
REFLECT:
John recounts, in verses 15:11 and 16:24, Jesus’ exhortation for our joy to be complete. The irony of this is that these statements by Jesus come just ahead of his crucifixion at the hands of Jewish leaders and Roman guards. You see Jesus’ focus was on his followers…his disciples. In order for the gospel message to get out, the disciples would need to hold fast to the words of Christ and “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And, surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV). Jesus wanted the disciples to have joy in his mission and his message. He would save the world from sin by taking them on himself at the cross. We can have true joy knowing that we will spend eternity with our heavenly father because of the love and sacrifice of Jesus for us at Calvary.
The word “joy” is used approximately 422 times in scripture. The definition of joy, in biblical terms, is “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in his word.” You see, abiding in God’s presence is where every believer should want to be. That may mean separation from earthly pleasures. It may mean going through difficulties in this life you never thought you would have to face. But it never means going it alone when Christ is in us
APPLY:
When faced with rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, Nehemiah had to encourage and motivate the people to carry out the vision. When they faced adversity, he reminded them that God was on their side, saying, “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” (Nehemiah 8:11, NIV). Are you facing difficulties today? Is the current state of your work, your family, your marriage such that you cannot find joy in them? Reach out today and take hold of the joy that comes from Jesus! Remember, he said in John 16:24, NIV, “until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Seek the face of Jesus today. Ask him to meet you at the point of your greatest need and stand in faith believing that he would make your joy complete!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, I thank you that the joy of the lord is my strength. Remind me that I, like Paul, rejoice that my help comes from you! “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me,” (II Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
CONTINUED READING:
John 16:24, 1 Peter 1:8