Last week I mentioned a project I worked on several years ago where I was asked to help our church understand the essence of being a disciple of Jesus.
The definition that several other pastors and I came up with was -- "joyfully pursuing the patterns, priorities, and purpose of Jesus."
I found it interesting the piece of that definition that we debated the most was the word "joyfully". Was that word really that critical to the definition of discipleship?
My answer was yes!
I think I had two reasons for that conviction -- experience and exegesis (study of the Word of God).
My experience told me that our relationship with Christ had never gotten beyond the surface if a believer has no joy. If a church service is the grumpiest place you go all week...ummm...that church is not nearly as spiritual as they might want you to think they are. (And it might be time to find another church!)
One of the criticism of Jesus in His ministry is that He was too joyful. He smiled. He laughed. He told stories that made you laugh (camels and eyes of a needle, performing eye surgery with with tree trunk in your eye anyone?). He attended parties. Kids loved to be with Him.
Jesus was joyful. We can't pursue Him...without that same spirit.
But also the Word of God directly commands us to be a joyful people.
Clap your hands...shout to God with loud songs of joy! (Psalm 47:1)
Rejoice always. (1 Thessalonians 5.16)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
Count it all joy (even when everything goes wrong). (James 1:1-2)
My friends, in Christ we have been rescued from sin and death. The spirit of the living, resurrected God lives in us. Our Saviour has prepared a place for us and is coming back to take us there. One day He will wipe away every tear we have ever shed. In the meantime, we have access to the very throne of God at any time through Jesus.
If anyone in this world should know joy, it is the disciples of Jesus!
Let's joyfully pursue the patterns, priorities, and purpose of Jesus this week!
Your pastor,
Tim
