Joy; finding it and growing therein!
I've been reading through the book of Luke for CBS homework every week and this week's commentary was especially encouraging to me. Hope it is to you as well!
In the commentary on the 1st book of Luke (in our lesson book) we're told that we usually want to criticize Zechariah for his doubt, when the angel told him of John's birth. He then reminds us that we have a far greater advantage. We have the witness of the life, teaching, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We can look back at the history of the church which, with all its faults and short comings, still gives testimony to the life-changing power of the gospel. We have the Holy scriptures to give us guidance, help, comfort, and correction. We have the Christian community to strengthen and encourage us.
Even with all these advantages, how many times have we questioned the truth of God's Word?
Do we remain firm in our faith when circumstances seem to make a mockery of it, or do we continually need "signs" (as Zechariah did) in order to believe?
Nowhere in the Bible are we promised a life free of ordinary troubles, dangers or sorrows.
Our joy is not based on a life that is comfortable, easy, and effortless. Our joy is based on the fact that Jesus Christ is with us in all we are called to endure. Faith involves not only trusting God when disappointments come, but also believing that God will bless us with what is good.
God is not dismayed by our questions, but He cannot be pleased when we question His ability to do what He says He will do.
Think about Mary... although she found favor with God and was chosen for a special place in the work of His Kingdom, she was called upon to go through personal sacrifice and suffering. Simeon even prophesied, "A sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:35b)
God never promised that we won't have problems. In fact, He says "In the world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Remember, we are to obey God and trust Him, so that He may be glorified. That's our chief end... to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we do, say and think!
Here's the good news and here's what brings us joy - God is intimately associated with His people. He cares for YOU. Not a group of us, or you, plus your whole family... He cares intimately for YOU. He hears and answers your prayers, asked in faith.
We all, each one of us, has our own set of trials and difficulties we're enduring. What is it in life that we find our joy in? The Lord, or our own accomplishments? Trust me... if its in yourself that you're finding the joy, you're going to be disappointed.
Be encouraged, my friends. Take heart... He will love you FOREVER.
In the commentary on the 1st book of Luke (in our lesson book) we're told that we usually want to criticize Zechariah for his doubt, when the angel told him of John's birth. He then reminds us that we have a far greater advantage. We have the witness of the life, teaching, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We can look back at the history of the church which, with all its faults and short comings, still gives testimony to the life-changing power of the gospel. We have the Holy scriptures to give us guidance, help, comfort, and correction. We have the Christian community to strengthen and encourage us.
Even with all these advantages, how many times have we questioned the truth of God's Word?
Do we remain firm in our faith when circumstances seem to make a mockery of it, or do we continually need "signs" (as Zechariah did) in order to believe?
Nowhere in the Bible are we promised a life free of ordinary troubles, dangers or sorrows.
Our joy is not based on a life that is comfortable, easy, and effortless. Our joy is based on the fact that Jesus Christ is with us in all we are called to endure. Faith involves not only trusting God when disappointments come, but also believing that God will bless us with what is good.
God is not dismayed by our questions, but He cannot be pleased when we question His ability to do what He says He will do.
Think about Mary... although she found favor with God and was chosen for a special place in the work of His Kingdom, she was called upon to go through personal sacrifice and suffering. Simeon even prophesied, "A sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:35b)
God never promised that we won't have problems. In fact, He says "In the world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Remember, we are to obey God and trust Him, so that He may be glorified. That's our chief end... to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we do, say and think!
Here's the good news and here's what brings us joy - God is intimately associated with His people. He cares for YOU. Not a group of us, or you, plus your whole family... He cares intimately for YOU. He hears and answers your prayers, asked in faith.
We all, each one of us, has our own set of trials and difficulties we're enduring. What is it in life that we find our joy in? The Lord, or our own accomplishments? Trust me... if its in yourself that you're finding the joy, you're going to be disappointed.
Be encouraged, my friends. Take heart... He will love you FOREVER.
Comments