Join in the Joy
Through the years, I have frequently preached about joy. It is more than an emotion (although it includes emotion); rather, it is a settled attitude, a stable and sturdy approach to life that focuses us on the things that matter now and forever. Joy is much greater and much more powerful than happiness, which is event or circumstance driven. There is nothing wrong with happiness. It is certainly better than unhappiness. Also, we have different personalities. For example, my wife is happy-go-lucky. Of course, she has every reason to be, being married to me. However, not everyone can be married to me. We need something more substantial than happiness; that something is joy. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
“These things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves” so said Jesus to His disciples then and to us now. We have studied a number of “these things” that are thoroughly encouraging. However, Jesus also spoke of matters that are decidedly challenging. One is that He was leaving. John 14:28-29 is a poignant passage. The disciples understandably did not want Jesus to depart from them. In verse 28, Jesus points out that they should rejoice for Him, because He was returning to His proper place. Analogies, although never perfect, are sometimes helpful to us. Think of a family member or friend visiting for a few weeks. It is a time of laughter, fellowship, and good conversation. When our visitor returns home, we miss him, but we know that he has responsibilities in his own home, a place of work, and church. We are glad to hear that he has arrived home safely and is doing well. How much more should we rejoice that Jesus is where He eternally belongs! Moreover, note that in returning to heaven Jesus fulfilled a promise to His disciples (verse 29), thus strengthening their faith. Even in leaving, Jesus gives us reasons to rejoice.