Whether it is the classic hymn by
Henry Van Dyke “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” based on Beethoven’s 9th
Symphony or J. Edward Ruark’s Gospel song “You May Have the Joy-Bells”, there
are a lot of songs and hymns based on joy.
The simple Scripture chorus “Rejoice in the Lord Always” based on
Philippians 4:4 gives a brief and easy way to remember to sing about the joy
that God has given us. Today we will use
joy for our “J” in alphabetizing grace.
In the Greek New Testament, from
which our English one is translated, the word “joy” is a derivative of the word
“grace”. If there were a family tree of
vocabulary words then “Grace”, that beautiful woman we met at the start, is the
mother of “Joy”. Grace has other
beautiful children we will meet along the way as well. It is not just linguistically, however, that
grace and joy are connected. It is the
very essence of the truth of grace that we should be filled with joy because of
it. John Newton wrote, “I once was lost
but now I’m found.” What profound joy to be found after being lost! What ecstasy in being safe! Imagine being lost in the mountains, or on
the vast ocean or in a dark forest for days.
Hope is all gone. Then out of
seemingly nowhere a rescuer finds you and returns you to hearth and home. Joy!
We are lost in sin and our rescuer is Christ. What absolute joy to be found!
Now, what would you do for that person who
rescued you? Would you walk away from
them with indifference? Would you send
them a thank you by email? Would you hug
them and remember their name forever? If
they were ever to ask for your help with a real simple task, would you give
it? It would be your joy, your great
joy, to put their picture on your mantle.
It would be your joy, your great joy, to go to the reception given in
their honor. It would by your joy, your
great joy, to help them if you could.
Joy, like her mother Grace, becomes an action, not just a
sentiment. Oswald Smith expresses this
joy in his wonderful hymn “There is Joy in Serving Jesus”. He uses such rich phrases as “Joy that throbs
within my heart”, “Joy that triumphs over pain”, “Joy that never will
depart”. This is the joy of grace. This is joyous grace.
The Friday Benediction
Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop
you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in
the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be
enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend. Amen
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