God, by His grace, has put opportunities for joy into the lives of everyone. Hearts swell with pride and hope on wedding days, and greater still is the elation over a newborn baby.
Spirits are lifted when old friends reconnect amidst a flood of memories. Everyone rejoices when a plan comes together; especially after a hardship. God has designed human beings to enjoy the happiness of a life well-lived. The greatest tragedy happened when sin in The Garden of Eden cut off man’s direct access to the joy of God. Since being disconnected from God man has sought joy in a myriad of endeavours; some wholesome, some carnal. Seeking true joy away from God, as Solomon so aptly reminds us, ‘is vanity, a chasing after the wind.’Our Christian race ‘set before us’ is inextricably connected with the ‘joy set before Jesus’ when going to the cross. No Cross—no Joy!
Instead, just the prospect of making the best we can of the joys of this world. Herein lies the loving-mercy of our Saviour: He made it his joy to deliver us from eternal misery. He told his apostles: “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (Jn.15:11). The apostles were yet to understand the impact that Jesus’ ministry, death, burial, resurrection and ascension were to have upon heaven and earth – Man would be reconciled to God; welcomed into His divine joy.Jesus later prayed to the Father:“ But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves” (Jn.17:13). Jesus’ joy is our joy, now and forever. Praise God!
John Staiger
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