Faith & Insight: The joy of the Lord

Let’s talk about joy. A scripture especially encouraging to me is Hebrews 12:1-2: “... who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross ...” Read Hebrews 12.

As we come into the season remembering the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the grave to life on the third day, this scripture is of amazing encouragement. What joy was set before Him? Certainly not being rejected, mocked, beaten beyond recognition and nailed to a cross. It is the resurrection, the defeat of death and Satan’s kingdom and the establishing of His kingdom, redeeming people, finishing His earthly assignment. It is the joy set before His believers as well that encourages and keeps us going.

See the “Son of God” movie and of course read His story (history) of life and the joy set before us in the Holy Bible. Attend a Bible teaching church this month for more information as well. I remember in Carson City when many businesses used to close early so people could attend church on Good Friday. A favorite song of mine from the recording called “Messiah” is the song “It is Friday, but Sunday is Coming.” A young person told me that the “God is Not Dead” movie is powerful and good. It is showing in Reno now. “Heaven is Real,” based on a true story of a young boy, opens this month as well.

After the resurrection Luke records in Chapter 24:24-53 Jesus’ words and actions before ascending to Heaven: “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning me.” And He opened their understanding.

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.” Other writing in addition says He told them to go and preach to the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Luke further writes, “And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was departed from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy ...”

He promised to send the Holy Spirit to His believers. Also read Matthew 24 about signs of His return.

There are many scriptures about the joy the Lord brings. Looking in a Bible dictionary or concordance under joy, you will see what I mean. Following are some:

Enter into the joy (Matthew 25:21); Good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10); My joy may remain (John 15:11); That your joy may be full (John 16:24); They may have My joy (John 17:13); Finish my race with joy (Acts 20:24); Peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17); The Spirit is love, joy (Galatians 5:22); With joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6); Count it all joy (James 1:2); and Joy inexpressible and full (1 Peter 1:8).

Want joy? J:Jesus O:Over Y:You.

Praying you will know the joy of the Lord in an increased way this resurrection month.

Barbara Jones is the Nevada state prayer leader for National Governors’ Prayer Team and Cry Out America and Awakening America.