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Joy and Rejoice

“Having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)  The account of the wise men following a strange star to find the infant Jesus may be lacking in details that we would like to know, but we can learn from their joy due to seeing the star that somehow identified the house where Joseph and Mary had set up housekeeping.  They rejoiced not just at the completion of their objective.  Our journey may be long, hard and dangerous, but observing God’s work along the way should make us excitedly elated.

“Now those upon the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of testing fall away.” (Luke 8:13)  The end of this description from the Parable of the Sower is sad, but the beginning assumes that those who accept the Word will respond by rejoicing, not with remorse for the past or fear of future failure.  Those bringing sacrifices did not mourn the passing of the animal, but rather anticipated a great meal.  Life in the Kingdom of God is characterized by joy.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure having been hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)  The point of the parable is the joy and resulting investment, not the slightly shady real estate deal.  Discovering the kingdom, which is in the here and now, not just in the indeterminant future, should prompt drastic investment and undisguised excitement.  Some perceive the same treasure as an encroachment on their assets and schedules.  If so, the appraisal was deficient.

“And he will be joy to you [Zacharias] and gladness, and many will rejoice upon his birth.” (Luke 1:14)  An angel told the soon-to-be father of John the Baptist about impending joy for himself and others.  Certainly, John’s birth was an especially happy time for the elderly couple, and the faithful of Israel greatly anticipated this forerunner of the Messiah.  Yet, John lived strangely and died badly.  Life in the family of God is not always pretty, but, even during the unpleasant times, observing the works of God unfolding is always exciting.

“Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)  The shepherds to whom an angel delivered this message, who also saw a chorus of angels praising God, immediately, in the night, without streetlights, hurried at least a few miles on foot to see the infant Jesus.  Then they told everyone who would listen.  The Good News should do that to people.  The faithful rejoice that God became flesh and dwelt among us, according to plan, and brings peace to those who respond.  The excitement of the faithful spills out.

“Rejoice in that day [of persecution] and leap for joy, for indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:23)  Many prophets, not to mention Jesus, suffered considerably as a result of doing the right thing and delivering messages from above.  Prophets may be gone (Zechariah 13:1 – 6, Daniel 9:24 – 27), but violent persecution continues, especially in Islamic countries.  The persecuted leap for joy because they have an assurance of relevance.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’” (Luke 10:17)  Upon setting out, this advance advertising team may have been a bit skeptical about the methods Jesus told them to use.  They rejoiced that it worked even better than promised.  Jesus complimented their success, but reminded them that the big thing was not that they could do weird stuff, but that they were part of the family.  Do the faithful rejoice only at occasional unexpected success or constantly as connected spirits?

“And having worshipped Him [after the ascension], they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” (Luke 24:52)  Another ten days would elapse before the next big event in Acts 2.  Those waiting were but 120 persons.  Jesus had just left them, again.  Not everything was making sense yet.  Nonetheless, they rejoiced.  For the faithful, joy erupts concerning where we are, not just for what might be.  The path may get uncomfortable, but the opportunity for joy never fades.

“Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.” (John 3:29)  The disciples of John the Baptist commented to him about the growing popularity of Jesus, perhaps eclipsing their own while competing for the same audience.  Both were preparing people for the soon-to-be everlasting kingdom promised by the prophets.  John had been joyful about his God-given task.  With Jesus on the scene, whom John had announced to be the Lamb of God, John’s joy was filled beyond full.  The joy of the faithful overflows at the successes of the faith of others.

“You now indeed have grief; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” (John 16:22)  Shortly before His arrest, Jesus addressed the understandable sorrow of the disciples as the reality of His impending death began to sink in.  Jesus assured them that, in a few days, He would return, of course causing rejoicing, but of a new type: joy that did not fade despite the hardships in their futures.  The faithful have a baseline of joy.  Certainly, pain is inevitable.  But, the sum no longer drops negative, but wavers at the top.

“There was great joy in that city [due to the message and miracles of Philip]” (Acts 8:8)  The manner in which a message is delivered often dictates the response to it.  The city of Samaria in which Philip preached had several religious options.  The gospel was not enticing through promises of health or wealth or the end of Roman occupation.  Of course, the miracles may have attracted some, but the more astute realized that such things were proof of the messenger, not a promise of gain.  If our gospel does not elicit joy, there may be a problem.

“So, having gone out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples.” (Matthew 28:8) Conversations with angels must have been scary, since the first thing the angels usually said was, “Do not fear.” But coupled with that was great joy, likely because of the explanation of the resurrection they had just heard from the same angel. They ran, not walked. The Spirit who raised Jesus is the same Spirit that dwells in each faithful person (Romans 8:11). We should be seeing a lot of running by very excited and elated people.

“…describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” (Acts 15:3)  Many Jewish Christians, especially those living in Judea, were upset that non-Jews were being accepted as faithful without first being circumcised and following the Law of Moses, whereas Jewish Christians living in non-Jewish regions were elated.  The difference was that Judean Jews were a closed society.  Hellenistic Jews knew their pagan neighbors.  Surely both sincerely believed their gospel to be true.  A lack of joy may indicate a problem.

“These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)  In His final conversation with His disciples before being arrested, Jesus spoke of promises, truth, connection, and love, which He summarized as joy.  He characterized His task on earth as joy, and wanted His followers to have the same.  We tend to focus on the unpleasant parts of Jesus’ life.  He didn’t.  Rather, in the midst of chaos, futility, and a downward spiral, He wanted His disciples to develop His mindset: full of joy.

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)  Paul and Barnabas were driven out of the region of Antioch of Pisidia by unbelieving Jews.  Despite violent persecution, the Christians who remained there were full of joy.  Perhaps the key to this joy is the Holy Spirit who is given to each believer to strengthen, motivate, improve consistency, and aid in overcoming ourselves.  The umbrella statement is that this same Spirit gives life to the faithful, not just breathing, but a “real life” of purpose and success.

“…through whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice upon the hope of God’s glory.” (Romans 5:2)  Grace is the collection of godly character traits, and glory is a parade of them.  The faithful have access into these traits and rejoice based on their confident expectation of displaying those same characteristics.  From the context, this transformation occurs in those still breathing as they develop through hard times and have God’s style of love poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to them.

“And not only that, but we also are rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (Romans 5:11)  Every selfish choice or broken promise creates its own ripple effect that cannot be undone no matter how sorry we are or how much we try to make up for it.  God planned the fix for this before creation.  Jesus paid off the right-and-wrong system once and for all so that our acceptability could be judged based on trusting God and loving people.  Therefore, the faithful rejoice while outsiders worry.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)  We all need to eat and drink, but those are means, not ends.  Being part of the kingdom of God addresses weightier issues than traditional ways of acting out faith.  Everyone wants to do the right thing, but getting there becomes an issue.  Peace with self, others, and God gets overwhelmed by the stressors of life.  Joy often is squashed by failure.  The family of God gives a reasonable path to all three at the same time.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)  Faith should result in joy and peace.  But on what basis?  Christianity is unique among all religions in that it is the only one based on evidence.  Our confident expectations (hope) result in joy and peace.  Confidence arises from the evidence produced by the Holy Spirit who dwells in each faithful person.  The works of the Spirit primarily are seen in miraculous character development.  Observe and rejoice.

“What then?  Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)  While in prison, Paul could have been downcast because of his inability to preach in various places.  Instead, he rejoiced that the guards had heard the message, and that others had stepped up to fill the gap.  Paul even rejoiced that some with selfish ambition preached, because at least the gospel was heard.  The faithful rejoice in the good stuff and let the bad stuff take care of itself.

“…being strengthened in all might according to His glorious power, into all patience and longsuffering with joy.” (Colossians 1:11)  Paul also prayed that the Colossian Christians be filled with knowledge, wisdom, understanding, adequacy, and productivity.  He ends with a request for strength that results in patience when suffering long, being joyful rather than just enduring.  Life on earth always will include suffering.  What sets the faithful apart is that joy, not misery, defines them.

“And you became followers of us and the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6)  The first Christians in Thessalonica endured significant persecution (Acts 17:1 – 14).  Yet, they immediately began spreading the gospel, at times reaching new places before Paul got there.  The evidence upon which the gospel stands enticed many away from their mythological traditions.  They spread a joyful message powerful enough to attract people into certain persecution.  Do we?

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” (James 1:2)  Many enjoy participating in American football, although each play includes extreme exertion and violent collisions.  Yet, those involved count it all joy.  James did not pass over the trials of life lightly.  Rather, like football, he recommended looking to the end result: perseverance, consistency, and completeness.  Adversity tests and strengthens the resolve of the faithful to trust God at all times, not just when things are going my way.

“…joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and enduring possession for yourselves.” (Hebrews 10:34)  The early Christians suffered economic, political, and physical hardship specifically because outsiders were upset that they had switched allegiances.  This was not a general hardship due to a change in government or economic system.  History records that those early Christians were uncommonly kind, law-abiding, and joyful.  When the love displayed by the faithful again causes this kind of response, we will be on the right track.

“Into Whom just now not seeing, now believing, you exult with joy inexpressible and filled with glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)  The type of faith described by Peter produces not only immediate joy but also an exhibition of miraculously instilled character traits.  In this world, we may hope for (confidently expect) a certain result, believing that all is in place for success, but we generally reserve exultation until we see the outcome.  God’s promises are better than that, in which we may rejoice before the fact because the evidence is that strong.

“Beloved, be not surprised in the fiery trial coming to you, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but as you have shared in Christ’s suffering, rejoice in the revealing of His glory; you may rejoice, exulting.” (1 Peter 4:12 – 13)  The trials referenced by Peter were the result of being a Christian, not just the normal difficulties of life.  First, the faithful should remember that Jesus displayed flawless character, yet died horribly.  Second, the faithful should recognize those same character traits emerging in themselves (His glory), and thereby rejoice.

“And having been persuaded of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all into your progress and joy of faith.” (Philippians 1:25)  Progress in faith brings joy.  2 Peter 1:5 – 8 itemizes the stages as faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.  As the faithful recognize their own progress, or, better yet, as the faithful comment on the progress of others, joy results.  For the faithful, joy is found in the successes of faith, whether one’s own or that of another.

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting?  Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus in His coming?  For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19 – 20)  Paul wrote to the faithful of Thessalonica shortly after being forced to flee by a mob.  Paul found joy in his successes in spreading the good news.  Further, he counted this reception of the Word to be what made him important (his glory).  Discharging responsibilities results in joy, no matter the difficulties along the way.

“For what thanks can we render to God for you, upon all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God.” (1 Thessalonians 3:9)  Paul and others found a joy that completed them as they observed the growing faith of others.  This epitome of selflessness remains the standard for obtaining joy.  We generally see growth in ourselves vaguely and critically.  Relating positive observations about other faithful people to those people builds them up.  In time, uplifting comments will come back around and complete the connection.

“These things we write to you that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:4)  The apostle, John, wrote a positive summary of love to remind the faithful of their connections and responsibilities in the kingdom of God so as to boost their confidence in their own acceptability.  Often, reminders in the church tend to criticism rather than renewal.  If our communication, like John’s, springs from an objective of experiencing complete joy for himself, the message will motivate positively and objectively, not through guilt or denigration.

“Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be complete.”  (2 John 12)  Writing to encourage was a positive experience for the inspired authors of the New Testament.  But in-person connections were even better.  In our electronic age, the faithful are able to communicate inexpensively and almost instantly.  With such a tool the church should be greatly encouraged.  Although requiring much more time and significantly more cost, personal visits are even better.

“I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.” (2 Corinthians 2:3)  The congregations of Corinth were having lots of problems, so Paul wrote 1 Corinthians.  He sought the path that would address the issues with the least impact on their mutual joy.  We could shy away from speaking up for fear of creating upset, or we could plunge ahead and foster ill-will.  Paul demonstrates that a little extra thought will uncover a better way.

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf.  I am filled with comfort.  I am exceedingly joyful upon all our tribulation.” (2 Corinthians 7:4)  Despite the difficulties in the congregations of Corinth addressed in 1 Corinthians, Paul boasted about them to others.  He was confident to the point of taking comfort that they would accept his corrections in the spirit in which they had been given.  Even the dangers he had recently faced faded in the face of the joy of their relationship.  This is how Christians should connect.

“…and we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.” (2 Corinthians 7:13)  Paul took a chance in writing 1 Corinthians.  The Christians there could have reacted badly and severed all ties or become enemies.  When he sent Titus to make arrangements for their promised gift for famine relief, both had some anxiety.  But the faithful of Corinth responded well.  When Titus rejoined Paul’s group headed to Corinth, the joy of Titus stimulated all.  The eternal family must take risks; speak up and trust one another.

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)  Joy is the product of observing the successes of faith.  Being of one mind was not based on espousing the same list of doctrines, but on selflessness and humility.  The early Christians had a wide variety of ideas and practices, yet they were able to get along, grow, and spread with only occasional course corrections from an apostle.  Unity is not uniformity.  Mutual trust and selfless concern yield success in the family.  Watch and rejoice.

“Yes, and if I am being poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am joyful and rejoice with you all.  For the same reason, you also be joyful and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17 – 18)  The early Christians endured much hardship.  Most church-goers today are much more comfortable.  Paul rejoiced that his struggles produced more similarly dedicated and faithful people.  He did not want them to grieve over his affliction, but rather rejoice because he had the opportunity to serve.  Difficulty should be celebrated, not mourned.

“Therefore my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” (Philippians 4:1)  Paul found joy in the positive effects he had had upon others, which pulled him through the frequent hardships he endured.  The lives of all faithful people should be characterized in the same way.  Joy, despite the brokenness of the world, happens when we seek to build the faith of others.  This joy gives life meaning and relevance across continents and decades.

“For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith into Christ.” (Colossians 2:5)  Being “with you in spirit” is a common figure of speech in English.  To the early Christians, this had a more substantive meaning.  The spirits of the faithful are connected to God and to each other, which is the linguistic foundation of the New Testament word, fellowship.  The faithful should develop vital connections with spirits geographically remote.

“…I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:3 – 5)  Paul and Timothy had developed an almost father-son relationship as they worked together over the years.  Paul recalled the tears shed at parting.  But Paul’s joy emerged from his memories of Timothy’s sincere faith.  The faithful need relationships like this in order to really live.

“For we had great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you.” (Philemon 7)  The love Paul mentions is Philemon’s love for the Lord and for all the saints.  Philemon’s habit of doing what was best for others without regard to himself brought Paul joy despite being in prison at the time.  Other faithful people were refreshed by Philemon’s attitude, especially considering that Philemon was wealthy.  When the faithful exercise the love that has been poured out in their hearts by the Spirit, joy spreads.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4)  John called those whom he had taught his children.  Often, we become physically separated from those to whom we were close, a situation which was much more dramatic in the days before electronic communication.  John would hear reports from far-flung places.  Realizing that he had contributed to the faithfulness of others, and that those contributions had resulted in long-lasting effects, was his greatest joy.  All of the faithful need this manifestation of joy.  Start early.

“…in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)  Paul and company were collecting funds for famine relief from congregations in Greece and Turkey.  The congregations of Macedonia, despite their poverty and affliction, had been remarkably generous because of the joy they were deriving from just being Christians.  Joy on earth should be the normal state, not a brief respite between disasters, but a plateau from which difficulty is overcome.

“Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.” (Philippians 1:4)  Paul received updates about the various congregations in the areas he frequented.  He knew that the Christians in the region around Philippi were poor and exposed to frequent harassment.  Paul prayed for them daily, but with joy, not sorrow over their condition.  Of overriding concern were their ever-growing love, knowledge, and discernment.  One source of joy for the faithful is observation of the growth of fellow spirits far off.  Then, pray that it may continue.