Luke 10:16-21 The seventy returned with joy… In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father…” WEB
Joy is a provision for every believer, given by the power of the Spirit of God.
Our key verse for today is describing an event between Jesus and the 70-72 disciples that He sent out to share the Good News of the Gospel. These people had fully submitted to the teachings of Jesus. They followed Christ’s specific instructions for reaching out to their lost world. And though they believed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, their faith was made sight by this wonderful event.
Luke 10:20 Jesus told the seventy…”rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” CSB
Jesus was moved by their faith, and by the joy He felt in connection with Abba, His Father. Look at His prayer in verse 21.
In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children*. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” WEB
These courageous and faithful followers obeyed the Savior. By the power of His name, they healed the sick and cast out demons. They were filled with joy and their faith grew exponentially.
When we know people that have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus then we should be filled with joy, too. All of Heaven celebrates at the redemption of every person. And this is the key to where our contentment should be. We should be content that God uses our lives to illuminate Him in this dark world. When you love Jesus, you want others to know what you know about Him.
No matter what is going on in your life, if you are a believer, do you understand the joy that comes from knowing Jesus? If you don’t know joy, but only the sporadic happiness of days based on current situations, then you need to verify your walk with God. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that bears witness that we are saved.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.” WEB
Believers are often the targets of Satanic abuse. But we know that God is for us. His promises never fail. Happiness is fleeting. Joy is deep down contentment. Look at the verse below.
Nehemiah 8:10 “…Don’t be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” CSB
By finding our joy in God we have all of His power at our fingertips to get through every day. Delighting in a personal relationship with God means that we love to read His Word, and we talk to Him all through the day. We share the Gospel with those on the outside. We obey His commands. And yes, the Ten Commandments are still relevant.
The new commands given by Jesus are relevant, too. Why not re-familiarize yourself with all of the precepts of God? They were not given as an onerous task, but as a guide for our walk with God.
Enabled by the Holy Spirit to keep God’s law, we will be aware of our sin and be strengthened to live rightly before God and man.
For believers who have put God on a shelf, just remember, this joy is out of reach for you until you truly repent. You can’t lose your salvation, but there is more to the Christian walk than just making it to heaven. Truly loving Jesus makes a change in our hearts. Have you experienced that kind of difference? If not, check out the resources below. Your salvation cost Jesus far too much for you to easily push Him aside.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 