Joy

Joy (by David Peterson of the Rock Of Jesus Church)

Chapter 13 of the gospel of Matthew is full of parables that Jesus used to convey theological concepts. Known as the “Parabolic Discourse”, Jesus conveyed the first 4 of these trinkets of wisdom from a boat to His audience on the shore. The last 4 parables are revealed to the disciples by Jesus inside a nearby house.

In Matthew 13:44 Jesus says; “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells everything that he has, and buys that field.” Matthew Henry wrote that this short parable is “intended to show that those who expect salvation by the gospel must be willing to venture all, and quit all, in the prospect of it, and that they shall be no losers by the bargain; that of the treasure hid in the field.” Henry also tells us that Jesus is the true treasure here and there is an abundance of joy for us contained in Christ.

Pastor Alistair Begg wrote: “If Christians do not rejoice it is not because they are Christians, but because they are not Christian enough. Joy is the rational state of the Christian in view of his spiritual position in Christ.” Joy comes to us through Christ who sacrificed His life for our redemption.

Oswald J. Smith wrote “Joy in Serving Jesus” in 1931 and the first stanza and refrain are;

There is joy in serving Jesus,

As I journey on my way,

Joy that fills the heart with praises,

Ev'ry hour and ev'ry day.

Refrain:
There is joy, joy,

Joy in serving Jesus,

Joy that throbs within my heart;

Ev'ry moment, ev'ry hour,

As I draw upon His power,

There is joy, joy,

Joy that never shall depart.

Joy is a state of being that exhibits long-lasting happiness and satisfaction and Smith captures this emotion well in his hymn.

Let us pray: Jesus you are our ultimate joy and our belief and following of you produces an enduring, deep delight. Our joy and gladness of heart come from knowing and abiding in you! Amen.