Our Scripture memory this month is John 15:9-11. Verses 10-11 say, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” I want to focus on this important three letter word – joy.
In this passage, Jesus seems to be inviting us into a very special, intimate eternal joy that has only been experienced in the union of the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This joy is now being offered to those who have come into that union through a relationship with Jesus by faith. Jesus describes this special joy as being “full” (see John 17:13).
When we think of joy, we tend to think about the things that make us happy or give us freedom. However, the way to fullness of joy appears to be obedience to His commandments and love, which on the surface, seems rather restrictive. According to Jesus, love for Him motivates us to keep His commandments (see John 14:15). Furthermore, love and obedience seem to be the two keys that lead to the fullness of joy that Christ so desires for us to know – an immediate and eternal joy!
One other aspect of this joy needs to be explored. This joy looks beyond current circumstances to future promises and results. The word joy shows up in what seems to be an unlikely place – Heb 12:2 says, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God.” Joy was set before Jesus as He anticipated the cross, the endurance of pain, the shame of being accused a blasphemer, even the abandonment of the Father. How could there be any joy in that moment? Jesus was looking beyond the current circumstances to the fulfillment of God’s promise. Jesus knew the joy of complete obedience to the Father – even to His death on the cross. He also knew the promised results. That through His death, burial, and resurrection, He would bring many sons and daughters to salvation – into his eternal kingdom – into His fullness of joy.
He redeemed all those who would place their faith in Him, thus creating eternal worshippers who will glorify His name forever and ever. Dear friends – please heed His invitation to enter this “joy” that is made “full” in and through Christ.
Jess Murphy
Church Council Member