In Paul's lovely list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, the second indicator given of a life of faithful and dedicated service to the Lord is "joy". According to Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, "the Greek word for "joy" is KARA, and is found frequently in Matthew and Luke, and especially in John, once in Mark...and is absent from I Corinthians...but is frequent in II Corinthians." Just what is the "joy" that is present in the life of the faithful? Let us consider it for a few minutes.
In the Bible joy is associated with life, it is that which one experiences when thinking of the work and faith of faithful followers of the Lord who overcome difficult circumstances and remain faithful: "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God" (I Thessalonians 3:8-9). Paul was made to rejoice because of their fidelity.
Most of us like the idea that in Christ we are to rejoice, and it is a pleasant consideration indeed. But as with most "good" and pleasant things, there is a seemingly negative element that accompanies this. We are prepared for times of joy by experiencing times of sorrow and difficulty. Jesus pointed the apostles to a time of joy, but at the same time indicated that they would pass through great sorrow before reaching the desired point: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20).
All of us like the times of joy, but who among us looks forward to the difficult times that allow us to better appreciate the times of joy? Paul affirmed that the faithful Christian is able, even in the most difficult of circumstances, to be joyous: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us" (Romans 5:3-4). Again he said: "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation" (II Corinthians 7:4). How is this? Why could Paul say that a man could be suffering persecution and pain and still be joyful?
Add to this the statement of James: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (James 1:2). How can this be? And what about the reaction of the apostles to their punishment for preaching the pure word of God: "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name:" (Acts 5:41)? Jesus gives us the reason for joy in persecution and difficulty: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
The joy of the faithful is directly linked to their obedience to the Lord here and their reward in heaven over there. The more we believe in the Lord the greater our capacity for joy: "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope..." (Romans 15:13). With the psalmist we long for the full joy of salvation: "And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9). Again, "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy" (Psalm 43:4). Have you lived a life of obedience to the Lord? If so, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). If not, we bid you comply with the commands of God before it is "everlasting too late".
Are you a Christian? Have you heard and believed the truth (Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6), repented of sins (Luke 13:3), confessed Christ (Acts 8:37), and been properly baptized (Acts 22:16)? Are you being faithful in all things (Revelation 2:10)? If not, call on us at the Enon Church of Christ; we are looking forward to studying with you.
Tim Smith 1272 Enon Rd. Webb, AL 36376 (334) 899-8131
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