Jesus’ Joy Is Ours
Saturday’s Verse:
From John 15:11 ESV
(Jesus said) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Jesus says these words to His disciples on the night before He suffers and dies. Remember that. He isn’t talking about the future joy we can expect when everything makes sense again, or when life finally works out for us. Jesus is talking about joy in the midst of the cross being raised high before us.
Jesus' joy is different than happiness. It doesn’t rely on fair weather. Or strong faith. Or evident success. Jesus says His joy will be in you if you abide in Him. Abide means to just stay. Stay where He has set you: in His Word, in His promises, in the forgiveness purchased for you.
Lutherans believe that joy is a gift, not something we earn. We do not generate joy by simply mustering up more effort or better beliefs. Christ gives His joy to us sinners who understand that we need Him. When we feel weak, distracted, or afraid, Christ’s joy does not leave us because He does not leave us.
Because of this, our joy can be full joy. Jesus is where our joy is found because Jesus is everything sinners need. He took our sin upon Himself. He carried our grief to the cross. He secured our life by rising again.
Nothing can take that away from us. So whether you feel joyful today or not, rest in Him. Listen to His Word. Receive His forgiveness. Believe that His joy is yours. Even today.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You give me a joy that will never run dry. When I feel empty and anxious, draw me near to Yourself. Fill me with the joy of knowing Your promises are true. Let Your joy abide in me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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