Joy to the World
Today, I’m taking a break from our series with John, the beloved, to focus on joy.
Are you someone who selects a word of the year each year? I’ve never done it before. However, this year I felt inspired to choose the word “joy” for 2024.
The scripture that came immediately to mind is Matthew 25 – the parable of the talents – where we find the two profitable servants being told “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”. [See verses 21 and 23]
It is the Lord’s great joy to bring us into His Kingdom. Shouldn’t we also experience great joy in knowing that this is our future?
John 16:24 [NKJV] "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
In fact, all of heaven’s inhabitants rejoice when we repent – at the start of our walk with Christ, not just at the end. Luke 15:7 [NKJV] "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” When we accept the call, long before we find final rest in the Kingdom, there is joy.
There are many more places where we find joy being outlined as a big part of our Christian walk. We are not just to experience joy at our initial calling or when thinking about what the future holds. We have a whole life between those two events in which we should be experiencing joy.
God and Jesus are not waiting for the fulfillment of their plan in order to experience joy either.
Jesus’ earthly ministry began with great joy.
Luke 2:10 [NKJV] Then the angel said to them {the shepherds}, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”
We can rejoice every day because Jesus came to this earth – was born into human flesh – so that He could die for us – for our sins – and we could become, through His precious blood and the Holy Spirit, begotten children of God as well.
Where else should we, as Christian, find reasons for joy?
In being persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Luke 6:23
In receiving the Word of God. Luke 8:13
In receiving answered prayer. John 16: 24
In knowing that some of the last words of Jesus before He suffered and died for us included a request that we have joy.
John 16:24 [NKJV] "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Sweet sisters, I pray that 2024 will be a year in which you are “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit”. [Acts 13:52 NKJV]
I’d love to hear if you have a habit of selecting a word for the year and, if so, what you have selected for 2024. I welcome all your comments and questions. You can write me in the chat or at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org