The Joy of Jesus!

JOY! We all want joy in our lives. What is Joy? For some, joy may be a phone call from an old friend. To others, possibly a newly born baby. Some know joy in receiving gifts or, in giving them. A wedding day brings joy to bride and groom as well as to friends and relatives. To a child it could be something expensive such as a new bicycle or, as simple as a wag from a puppy's tail. A smile from mother or father will usually bring a little joy.

Yes, there are many kinds of joy in our lives. But, did you know that there is one very unusual kind of joy that you will never experience? It's a "one-of-kind" joy that is associated with, of all things, pain, suffering and even death. That's what's so strange about this special joy. Usually we think of joy deriving from a pleasant circumstance. Yes, when it comes to pure joy, we prefer to think of laughter and smiles. Certainly not death and suffering! Where is the joy in that?

Yet, about 2000 years ago, One Man looked beyond pain, suffering and the agony of a slow death. His Name was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was put to death by men who believed He was guilty of wrong-doing. But they were mistaken. It was not for any wrong-doing of His own that Jesus willingly gave up His life. It was for your and my "wrong-doings" . . . . our sins.

As Jesus hung there on the Cross by His hands and feet, as Blood poured from His Body; as it flowed out of the cuts from a "crown" of thorns and trickled down His Head; Jesus looked down into time to this very day. And, with Hands still nailed, He pulled Himself up, gasped for air one last time and cried out, "It is finished!" And then He died . . . . . but with JOY!

The Bible tells us (In Hebrews 12:2) that Jesus looked beyond His pain and suffering "for the JOY that was set before him endured (or suffered through the agony of) the cross".

Why did Jesus have joy when He hung nailed to a cross? Because He was thinking of YOU, my friend. Being the Son of God, He could look into the future. You see, when Jesus said, "It is finished" He said it for your sake. You may be wanting to know, "What is finished?". The answer is: the work that was needed for your salvation. It is done. Nothing more can be added by God, by His Son Jesus, by any church or, by you. It was all taken care of that day, as Jesus died on the cross in your behalf.

Here is the reason for His joy, because He loves you so much. Jesus died so YOU would not have to go to Hell and suffer when you die. You see, Hell was your eternal destination and, you could not have done anything about it. You had no other choice but to go there. That is, until Jesus came to earth and died for you. Now you have a choice! That was the purpose of His dying and also the reason for His joy! It was because He loves you. He loved you that day. He loves you now and will always love you. Even if you don't return His love, He loves you anyway.

The Bible, the Word of God, tells us that the saints in Heaven are watching over us and hear what we say. (Hebrews 12:1) But God, the Creator of all things, knows everything before it has been done or spoken. He knew that you would be reading this on this particular day and He also knows if you will, or will not, act upon the words that are contained on this page.

Jesus wants you to go to Heaven but, it is YOUR CHOICE to say, "Yes" because He never forces His love on anyone. He just patiently waits for their answer. Some wait too long and they die before deciding to say "Yes" to Jesus. Then they must suffer the pains of Hell, forever! Jesus died so no one would have to suffer the pains of Hell. You MUST NOT WAIT any longer. Don't put it off one more minute! Say this simple prayer:

"YES, JESUS! I believe what I have been reading. I believe You ARE the Son of the living God. I believe that You died for my sins so I could go to Heaven. Please, write my name in Your Book of Life so I will go to Heaven when the time comes. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart and help me to live the way You would have me to live. Be with me always. Amen"

Jesus didn't stay dead in the grave! After three days He rose from the dead and went to Heaven. He has promised to come back for you! If you die before He returns you are assured that you will meet Him in Heaven! Isn't that Good News?

Now tell others how they are also the JOY that helped Jesus get through the suffering on the Cross. Tell them how His Joy would be complete if they would ask Him into their hearts, just as you have done.

Then, get a Bible and begin reading it. A good place to begin is with the Book of Mark. Find a church that also believes what you have been reading. They will help you to understand more about this great JOY of JESUS!

And may the Lord bless you abundantly!

This page sponsored by:
COVENANT MESSENGER MINISTRIES
Shenandoah, Iowa

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