You may hear Christians say that they hope at the end of life to hear God say the words, “Well done!” That’s good. We should hope for that wonderful commendation.
But notice that this passage is also about the joy of the Master — the joy of Jesus. We sometimes say, truly, that Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). That is not the full story about Jesus. There was within him a free, rippling, flowing, and eternally reverberating joy. He told his followers, “There is joy in heaven over even one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). He rejoices when each of us turn to Him today.
A while back, a very dear friend died and passed into the presence of Jesus. Thousands of people came to his memorial services — not one service but five — amazing! I knew why they came — at least in part. My friend carried within him a joy of salvation that was attractive, winsome, and infectious. It spread from him everywhere he went. It was the joy of heaven come to earth. It was the joy of the Master. If flowed through him to others.
Jesus is filled with joy, and He wants to share that joy with you. “These things I have spoken to you,” he said, “that my joy may be in you” (John 15:11). You can have this joy, too. Yes, it can be yours. It is rich, full, free, and forever. As the Christmas hymn sings, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Not just on Dec 25, but every day. Let Him come to you today!
Dear Lord, I want that joy. I pray for those who also read this devotional. If one of them needs the joy of heaven, even desperately and urgently, may that one hear you calling today. Lord help them to turn to you as I am now and find joy forever. Amen.
Go Deeper — Joy must not be kept to ourselves. It is meant to be shared. Think of how you can share the Joy of Jesus with someone today in a large or small, but true and deep, way.
Photo Credit: Mi Pham