December 16, 2020
The Offering of Joy – John 15:11
Bo Nelson
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. –John 15:11
One of the most widely sung Christmas songs since the 1960’s is A Holly Jolly Christmas. It is found on many compilation albums and sung by many famous artists. The opening of the song goes Have a holly, jolly Christmas, it is the best time of the year. The song is one that is wishing or hoping that the Christmas season will be filled with joy. But what is impossible for the song to do Jesus does.
Jesus, when He came into the world, He came offering something that this world could not give which was an infinite joy. A joy that wasn’t simply found in a season, or in an emotion, but something that was infinite in its nature since it was something of His, His own joy.
What is striking to think about is that the God of the universe, the God of joy, would step down from His heavenly throne and come to sinful man and offer man something that is absolutely unattainable in a fallen world. Every human is wired to desire an infinite joy because “he has put eternity into man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This eternal joy is only obtained as a gift from the Eternal One.
Jesus offers us His joy; a joy that is not conditioned on circumstance, or that can be stolen away, but a joy that flows from an intimate relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And from this relationship there exist an abiding that produces such joy from active obedience, to the glory of the Father. And this joy will be made full. It will not be incomplete, nor will the child of God be left wanting more, but it will be full since it is His joy in us, and in Him we are left wanting nothing.
This joy flows from abiding in His love, keeping His commandments, and bearing much fruit. Because as we abide in Him, we receive what He has which is an infinite joy.
Life Application
When you examine the very existence of your life, do you see that you are abiding in Christ? Do you find it joyful to walk in active obedience to the commands of God? Can you say with the Apostle John that “his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3) and with King David that “I find my delight in your commandments, which I love” (Psalm 119:47).
God offers us an infinite joy, have you received this joy and if so, how often are you rejoicing?
Prayer
- Pray that God will keep you abiding in Him and that you will bear fruit for His glory.
Pray that God will give you the courage to share the joy that
