Use Your Joy

John 16:16-22

The disciples, Jesus warns, are about to experience intense grief. Not only will they see Jesus die in an apparent defeat, that defeat will represent an apparent win by the forces against him. But he wants them to know that this will lead to vindication and enduring joy. The vindication will not be of a “so there” variety, but rather a celebration of promise fulfilled, that the truth and light highlighted throughout this Gospel will win out. It is anything but vindication of the “so there” variety because the ministry of those vindicated will be to the world that appeared to win against him and them. But they will have with them – as may we have – a deep and abiding joy.

This is no fading glory type victory (like for, say, the Carolina Hurricanes), but just the beginning of an adventure. They will take the joy of knowing truth and light with them. In Christ, we know we have a place with God. This is a hardly a matter of smugness or better-than-othersness, because it’s all of his doing. We don’t have to do anything more to gain that place; it’s already ours. As noted yesterday, Christians, as the Body of the Risen Christ who loves the world, have a great responsibility toward a world that largely will reject and even mock our efforts. But the responsibility is beautifully wrapped up inside the joy.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you that my salvation is not my responsibility. But I sense that my joy in it is my responsibility, my choice, my decision. I can choose to wear this responsibility heavily, somberly, and so fulfill it ineffectively; or I can make it my life’s breath, with a spirit that is lighter than air. Since you’ve promised I won’t lose it, I choose joy. Amen.