“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11, NKJV.
Jesus shows the way to joy, a divine quality of character that is possessed and given only by God. It is rooted in relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit, not in earthly or material things. Christ like joy is seen in the description of His, “who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).
Joy is derived from the confidence that the price of dying to our will holds the inevitable certainty of eventually realizing the triumph of His. For Jesus, bringing sons and daughters into fellowship with the Father was His delight, through the Cross was the means to that eventual joy.
This very trait was prophesied of Messiah: “He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied” (Isa. 53:11). Thus, the Savior’s “food” (that is, His fulfillment) was to do the will of God and accomplish His work (John 4:34).
Mar 11, 2014 @ 03:34:53
Joy…a fruit of the Holy Spirit, the exact thing you explain here, Manny. What a blessing to experience the joy of the Lord as opposed to the “happiness” of this world.
Thank you for sharing…
Mar 11, 2014 @ 14:52:00
I agree, this worlds toys get old fast and are soon thrown to the side. Joy is an exceptional gift from our Lord, full of His essence, character and strength. It is absolutely foreign to this present world. The world knows joy like a good cup of tea, great while it lasts but short lived.
Mar 12, 2014 @ 12:16:43
So true, Manny.
Just wanted you to know that I saw my first butterfly yesterday while working outside. I thought of your picture. Butterflies are a symbol of God’s love to me. It gives me joy when I see one.
God’s blessings…