“And see, now I go
bound in the spirit to
Joy comes from seeing the complete
fulfillment of the purpose for which we have been created, not from being
successful by the standards of the world or by doing something of our own choosing. Jesus also experienced joy in His life. The
joy our Lord experienced came from doing what the Father sent Him to do. “…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)
Jesus understood fully the fact that He was going to have trials and
suffering and even die on a cross a shameful and agonizing death – yet He
realized the joy that was before Him. He
was able to fulfill the mission of the Father and bring man back into a relationship
with God. He realized that God would
raise Him and bring Him back into the glory He once enjoyed!
After His death and resurrection Jesus appeared to the disciples and said to them, “As the Father sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) They now have the opportunity to understand the joy that is set before them. To experience that kind of joy they must learn not to count their life dear – but to count the cause of Christ as dear. They must be willing to suffer and face adversity for the name of Christ, rather than looking for admiration and approval from the world.
As Christians today, we are also called to proclaim
the Lord. The joy is set before us just
as it was for the Lord to fulfill His Father’s will. The joy is set before us just as it was
before Paul as he journeyed to
When Jesus asks Peter, “do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17) Peter had just recently confessed his devotion to the Lord only to deny Him that night. Jesus question to Peter – Do you love Me enough to have a close fellowship with Me. Peter if you love me – then feed my sheep. Jesus did not offer Peter a choice of how to serve Him – Jesus said I want you Peter to tend to the flock. Jesus expected Peter’s loyalty and devotion to the ministry of God. Peter was close to Jesus and turned out to be a great pillar of truth for the Lord.
Each of us has a purpose in life, God created us to be people of purpose and fulfillment. We all have a special talent of ability to use for the Lord. Jesus asks us the same question as he did Peter – Do you love Me? If you do then you too must be willing to live in a close relationship with Jesus. We must be willing to look at our lives, just as Paul -- nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.
To know that we have accomplished something for the Lord, that He set us here on this earth to prepare for a life of eternity and that worked to do His will – we can experience joy in our lives. To hear those words we long for – “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt. 25:21) That should bring joy to our lives. To do this and hear those words we must have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior – who died to bring eternal salvation to all mankind.
Is He Really Your Lord???
Think about it !!! Mike