The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in John 15:11,
"I [Jesus] have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
Jesus told his disciples that if they remained in his love and kept his commands, they would be a source of joy for him, and, likewise, he would be a source of joy for them.
We don't often use the word "joy" much these days. Maybe it is due to people finding little cause for it lately. Among other definitions for "joy" in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, we read "a source or cause of delight". To be embraced with joy we "experience great pleasure or delight : rejoice". Synonyms include delight, exuberance, to exult, to rejoice, blessedness, bliss, gladness and happiness.
While I find that knowing Jesus Christ and becoming his certainly produces great joy within us, this morning I'm thinking of the joy Jesus lays claim to when we remain in his love and keep his commands.
Specifically in this context Jesus told his disciples what his command is for them, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." Verses 12-14.
"I [Jesus] have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
Jesus told his disciples that if they remained in his love and kept his commands, they would be a source of joy for him, and, likewise, he would be a source of joy for them.
We don't often use the word "joy" much these days. Maybe it is due to people finding little cause for it lately. Among other definitions for "joy" in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, we read "a source or cause of delight". To be embraced with joy we "experience great pleasure or delight : rejoice". Synonyms include delight, exuberance, to exult, to rejoice, blessedness, bliss, gladness and happiness.
While I find that knowing Jesus Christ and becoming his certainly produces great joy within us, this morning I'm thinking of the joy Jesus lays claim to when we remain in his love and keep his commands.
Specifically in this context Jesus told his disciples what his command is for them, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." Verses 12-14.
The thought of having the capacity to bring joy to Jesus Christ is beyond stunning to me. I cannot begin to tell you how astounding it is to me to think I can bring him joy! And look at what it takes to accomplish that: remaining in his love by loving those who are his!
Simply astonishing!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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