Today’s exhortation is on joy. And you might think it a bit misplaced. We are less than two weeks away from Good Friday. “Doesn’t the joy exhortation go on the other side of the cross?” Well, no. And I’m glad you brought that up.
Too many people assume that joy is simply the result of having obtained a prize. And I do not deny that there is an element of truth in that sentiment. We are to run the race to win the prize and we have not won it until we have crossed the finish line. But, joy is not so much what is bestowed upon you after you have crossed the finish line as it is the fuel which gets you across the finish line. As you have heard, our Savior endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him.
Joy is manifestly available to you now. And that joy is limitless. How much of it would you like? Joy is available to you now. But it requires setting your mind and heart on things above. Joy is not simply the fruit of your dominion. It is the fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is accessed by faith. Look around. You have been liberated from your sin. You will never know the flames of hell. Neither will your children according to the covenant promise of God. Look around, with your heart fixed on God. He has given you all things, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours. Winter is already turning. Just look at the crocus. Winter is already turning. Christ knew that when He set His face to go to Jerusalem. And you have been given the mind of Christ.
Jared Longshore – March 17, 2024
