Jesus, The Joy Of All The Earth
Be it the newspaper, television or internet, not only do we only get to read negative news, but also fake news. It's either a splatter of politics (of hate) or entertainment (affairs), sports (controversies) or even daily news of disasters everywhere. The heart of man is evident when we record the chatter on social networks. People are unhappy, and keep subscribing to groups and celebrities to entertain their discouraged hearts, leading to more ungodliness. People stay informed or in the news about each other online, but it's only made them more miserable, rather than happy.
You cannot subscribe to Joy without connecting with Jesus, the joy of all the earth.
What's the best news for mankind? In Luke 2:10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”What is this good tidings of great joy? I'd like to share three aspects of joy found in Jesus, the real good news.
- Birth of Jesus
- Being Born Again
- Preaching the Gospel
Jesus, My Joy
Can there be any better news than the birth of the Saviour of mankind? Never. The angels introduced Jesus as the good news of great joy. Indeed, He was and is, as He lived to do His Father's will. Today, we live in the time of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. For all those who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Born Again, The Joy Of Salvation
Jesus came to save mankind from sins that will take man to hell. Hell is real. So is Heaven. To enter Heaven, one needs to be a child of God. Jesus said that unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Only a born again can relate to being in the light of God. The joy that comes with knowing Jesus is inconceivable to the human mind, impossible for the heart to grasp. Till, God chooses us to behold His glory. There is a joy in the initial salvation experience that is inexplicable, fulfilling and pure. But, only those who seek will find it.
Gospel of Joy
Paul writes to the Romans saying, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15). The gospel itself is a source of great joy for both the preacher and the hearer. The preacher preaches in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the people give genuine attention, and God opens their eyes, they too are filled with great joy. When Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ, the people with one accord gave heed to what Philip said, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. "And there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:8).Jesus is the Joy of ALL the earth. Not only was His birth a reason for great joy, but his life and obedience till the cross is the source of great joy for all those who trust in Him. The resurrection of Jesus brings us the greatest joy as we now have access to eternal life in Him.