Choose Joyනියැදිය

DAY 11 – THE JOY OF JESUS

Reflection: As we continue thinking about God himself being joyful, we find Jesus offering his own joy to us. These words are spoken just before Jesus is arrested like a criminal, beaten, and crucified. Yet it’s joy he offers as he encourages us to remain in God’s love by aligning ourselves with his will.

When we think about how Jesus suffered before and on the cross, we can’t help but think obedience is not offering Jesus a joyful outcome. But this links back to where our Choose Joy series began in the days after Easter: ‘for the joy set before him’ (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). The joy of Jesus is not diminished by the prospect of the cross, and it’s this kind of joy he promises. A joy that transcends the brokenness of this world and carries us into the presence of God.

In our verses today, Jesus asks us to remain or ‘live intimately’ in his love, even as he ‘lives intimately’ in the love of the Father. And as we obey what he tells us, especially about loving one another, then our joy becomes complete. Not complete in the sense of finished, but reaching a fullness or maturity that reflects the kind of joy Jesus has. A mature joy for all the seasons of life. What an incredible promise, and how desperately we need this.

Choose joy: If you feel your joy is lacking, then love more. And love, as Jesus also taught, is to serve others and consider their needs before our own, no strings attached.