Christian Mission Outreach

Many in the world have a type of happiness from time to time. But if we really want lasting joy, then we need to get to know Jesus. When on earth, Jesus usually spoke in parables, drawing upon what was familiar to His largely Galilean audience. That included describing the relationship He wants to have with His disciples as being like a marriage. We can accept His offer of betrothal.

“‘I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.’” (Hos. 2:19-20)

“You have made known to me the ways of life;

You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” (Acts 2:28)

 In Galilee, a couple would formally declare their commitment and love for one another in a public betrothal ceremony. Stronger than our engagement practice today, it was like a marriage ceremony–but without any sexual union until the marriage about a year later. The husband would go build a home for them onto his father’s house; the wife would make herself ready for his return. Only the groom’s father would know when that would be. The groom, coming like a thief in the night, would blow the shofar to wake those who were coming to the wedding. The bride, lifted up in a chair, would “fly away” to the wedding – reminding of the rapture. “‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ [Her wedding gown] is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Rev. 19:7-8)

 The salvation experience is like a betrothal. The love of the bridegroom, Jesus, is declared to His intended, who responds in love for Him and for what He has done. Since believers become part of the body of Christ, perhaps a hand or foot, in a sense we become one flesh with Him. (Eph. 5:30) However, our union with Christ is not sexual, but spiritual—Spirit to spirit. “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Cor. 6:17) Just as both men and women can be considered as “sons of God”, both men and women can be considered as parts of the corporate bride of Christ entering into His joy, glory and love from the Father. “‘I in them and You in Me [the Father in Jesus], that they may be made perfect in one.” (John 17:23) What joy to be and act in union with Christ, who is in us doing His works!

 Part of the betrothal ceremony was that the bridegroom would offer a cup of wine – like the communion cup, to his intended bride. I was surprised to see in the “Before the Wrath” movie that this was called, the cup of joy. Jesus can turn water into wine. The woman at the well found that drinking of the water which Jesus offers is what truly gives lasting joy. Knowing that He has chosen us individually and corporately to be part of a spiritual union with Him forever with the fire of His love upon our heart should give us overflowing joy.

 Whether Galileans would proceed in their relationship or not, all depended upon the bride. God gave us free will. She had the choice whether to drink the cup or not. If she accepted the cup from her beloved’s hands and drank of it, then they would be called husband and wife, although not be fully married yet. Joseph was called “husband” (Matt. 1:19) while still betrothed to Mary. The apostles drank of the cup at the Last Supper, going from servants to His “‘friends, for all things that I heard from My father I have made known to you.’” (John 15:15)

 

Abraham’s son was called “laughter.” God made it clear in the New Testament that joy was to be an important mark of a believer. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) There is always something for which we can praise God, no matter what the circumstance. Holy Spirit has often reminded me, “You can choose to rejoice!” My mourning turned to joy around the time my natural husband died when the Lord reminded me:

“For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His name;

And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth.” (Isa. 54:5)

 

Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” (Matt. 28:20) Since He can dwell in the hearts of those who love Him, along with His Father and Holy Spirit, what joy it gives to know that we never need to be alone! Although He physically left the earth, Jesus said: “‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’” (John 14:1-3) This is assurance from our betrothed Beloved.

 Joy comes by asking God for things according to His will. “‘Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.’” (John 16:24)

 To know Jesus more, study the Bible, His love letter. “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us [and the Father and] His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:3-4; 2 John 1:12)

 Find joy by trusting and obeying Jesus. Abide in His love by keeping His commandments if you want to have joy in its fullness. Make a dwelling place in your heart, abiding in Him, following His example.

“As the father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, Just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.’” (John 15:9-14)

 

Our joy can increase. God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph. 13) Our heavenly inheritance is reserved, yet accessible now. “[We are] kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed…In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while, if need be, [your faith has been tested by fire.] Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:5-9)

 His name and word bring us joy. After multitudes had tasted the fish and bread Jesus multiplied, they chased after Him. But satisfying physical hunger was not what would give lasting joy and satisfaction. “‘Do not labor for the food that perishes, but the food that endures for everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you…believe in Him whom [the Father] sent.’” (John 6:26-27, 29) Jesus, the living Word of God, is “‘the bread of God… who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world… He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:33, 35)

 “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Rom. 14:17) on earth as in heaven. Bodily nourishment may give pleasure, but lasting joy comes when we are in right relationship with God and fill up with His Holy Spirit. Feasting on the word of God, the bread of life, still satisfies us today. “‘These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.’” (John 15:11; Song 2:3)

 

People are re-discovering another way we can get joy – a way that was known at Pentecost. There are times when Jesus gives a fresh baptism of Holy Spirit bringing forth the fruit of Joy manifested as laughter. At times it is so strong that I have seen some people even falling on the floor in uncontrollable laughter. They were truly refreshed.

Baptisms of fire and the Holy Spirit lead to joy. We can receive King Jesus and His kingdom living in us. A new joy comes from His fire upon our hearts. As His beloved sheep, we can hear His voice counselling and encouraging us. Like David, we can have a close relationship with our Lord and say, “‘You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence,’” (Acts 2:28) Just think! The God of all the universe – Father, Son and Holy Spirit - wants to dwell in those who love Jesus and keep His word. Surely that brings joy! And He can lead us day by day by His Holy Spirit and Word. What a privilege!