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Desire
for Joy
*
"Joy" is commonly defined as "a very happy feeling;
great pleasure or delight." Everyone desires happiness and
joy.
*
After ancient Israel's destruction, the people lost their joy.
But they wanted their joy to be restored. As Jeremiah wrote…
"Joy
is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.
The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
…Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew
our days as of old" (Lamentations 5:15-16, 21, NIV).
Hope
of Joy
*
The prophets gave reason for hope - the hope of restoration under
the future Messiah. The kingdom established by the Messiah would
be full of peace and joy. Jeremiah prophesied …
"This
is what the LORD says…'I will build you up again and you
will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your
tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful…Then maidens
will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn
their mourning into gladness; I will give comfort and joy instead
of sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:2a, 4, 13, NIV).
Advent
of Joy
*
About 600 years after Jeremiah's prophecy, the promised Messiah
was born in Bethlehem. An angel announced his birth to shepherds
living in the fields nearby. The angel said to them …
"I
bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he
is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10b-11, NIV).
1.
Read Luke 2:13-20. After the shepherds heard the angel's message,
what actions did they take? What attitudes and emotions were
evident in their actions?
Read Matthew 2:1-12. "Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
and asked, 'Where is the one born king of the Jews? We saw his
star in the east and have come to worship him" (2:1b-2, NIV).
*
Instead of King Herod and the Jewish leaders, it was the Magi
(outsiders/Gentiles from the east) who came to worship Jesus.
This is interesting.
2.
When the Magi saw the star over the place where Jesus was, they
were "overjoyed" (2:10). Why were the Magi filled
with joy, whereas Herod and the Jewish leaders were not?
Basis
for Joy
3.
For most people, what is the basis of their joy? Under what
conditions do people feel joy? In other words, what kinds of
things bring happiness and joyfulness?
*
Personal joy is based on a sense of well-being and delight. In
general, this sense of well-being is dependent on delightful conditions
- things, thoughts, experiences, circumstances, etc.
*
God is the source of every truly good thing. So God is the ultimate
basis for joy. Thus the greatest joy is a relationship with God
and the enjoyment of his salvation and kingdom.
"You
[LORD] make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11,
ESV).
*
A relationship with God; and the enjoyment of his salvation and
kingdom are possible because of Jesus. He is the one mediator
between God and humans. He is the Savior. He is the Messiah.
Realization of Joy
*
Believers will fully realize joy when Jesus returns (at his 2nd
advent). Until then, we should still have joy! As Paul says, "Be
joyful always." How can we have joy in all circumstances?
§
Rely on God. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13, NIV).
§ Remain (abide) in
Jesus. He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). When
we obey Jesus' commands, as he obeyed the Father's commands,
his joy will be in us, and our joy will be complete (John 15:9-11).
Faithfulness to God, in union with Christ, results in joy.
§ Remember that our
joy is not merely an emotion based on worldly conditions. It
is given by the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:6). Our joy
is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
§ Reflect on Jesus'
victory over evil and death. By his resurrection, he secured
our complete salvation. Jesus said, "…you will rejoice,
and no one will take away your joy" (John 16:22).
§ Realize that our
salvation is being worked out even in times of trouble, trials,
and suffering. "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when
you face trials of various kinds" (James 1:2).
Reflection
†
Do you desire joy? Do you know the Source of joy? Have you received
Jesus?
†
As a Christian, reflect on this lesson and re-read the verses.
Rejoice in your salvation.
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