Did you know the New Testament’s first use of the root word for joy is in Matthew, speaking of the wise men who traveled to Israel from Persia?
The Prophecies of Daniel Pointed to the Messiah
Daniel, an Old Testament prophet greatly loved by God, grew to a position of trust and influence in Persia. He was also what we would call an astronomer, knowing and studying the sky for signs of the coming Messiah.
The magi were students of Daniel’s prophecies and diligently observed the skies. When they saw the special star appear, they knew the birth of the promised King of Israel was happening.
With joy, they loaded their camels and took off to follow the star announcing His birth. But then the star disappeared.
Though disappointed, nothing could deter them from finding the One for whom the star appeared. Exhausted, not knowing if they would succeed in finding this special child, they persevered in their journey. The way was long, often dark and dreary, but then as they approached Jerusalem, they took hope.
Though disappointed, nothing could deter them from finding the One for whom the star appeared.
The Magi Rejoiced With Great Joy
Being men of significance, they went straight to King Herod, who they believed would help them. Granted an audience with him, they asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”
Herod, an Idumean by birth, was not of the lineage of King David, yet Rome appointed him as king over Israel. Gripped by fear of a rival who might depose him, he chatted with the wise men, pretending he wanted to worship this king.
Pumping them for information, Herod learned when the star appeared and thus knew the child’s approximate age. He then inquired of the chief priests where the Messiah was to be born and discovered it was to occur in Bethlehem.
Sending the magi off with that news, he smiled and requested them to bring him word when they found him.
And so the wise men set off. Suddenly the star that announced the birth of the Christ appeared in the sky. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Mathew 2:10 KJV).
The star came to rest over the house where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived. The initial joy they experienced upon first seeing the star had continued like a peaceful stream flowing through them. Then as they faced adversity, it was as if joy became dammed up inside them. But seeing God’s answer to their prayers shining in the sky to announce they had reached their destination, joy overflowed in an explosive burst. That outpouring of joy caused them to fall at the feet of Jesus and worship Him.
Wow!
What is Joy Anyway?
Joy is a calm delight. Like a peaceful stream, it flows through our life, bringing light, color, and definition to our path. Joy always leads us to the LORD and results in worship.
You may think this is all well and good for the prosperous. For those with family around them and for whom, everything good seems to fall into their lap. But what if that isn’t your story? You may be hurting, overwhelmed by loneliness and loss, you dread the coming days. If you could speak freely, you would say, “I don’t feel any joy.”
I hear you. Life can be exceedingly painful.
Joy is a calm delight. Like a peaceful stream, it flows through our life, bringing light, color, and definition to our path. Joy always leads us to the LORD and results in worship.
Joy Comes Through Suffering
If you are walking a lonely, dark path of despair and depression, it feels like it will never end. But I want to assure you, it will.
One of my favorite verses in Scripture is about the LORD, who came to minister to and set free the brokenhearted.
“To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3
Jesus knows all about your sorrows. He understands and cares. AND He has time to sit with you and listen as you pour out your pain to Him.
He wants to fill you with joy. In the midst of your pain, I urge you to reach out in love to Jesus, who will enable you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
Jesus knows all about your sorrows AND He has time to sit and listen as you pour out your pain to Him.
Lift Your Heart in Worship and Experience Great Joy
Joy is so much more than a nice feeling. Joy revolves around a Person.
Do you remember the shepherds keeping a lonely vigil over the sheep in the cold dark field? “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10). They embraced joy by taking action – they went to see Jesus. Their hearts overflowed with joy, and they, too, worshiped the Lord. Then, though forgotten and rejected by society, with joy, they ran to share with others that they had seen the Lord.
May the Lord fill your heart with joy as you fix your eyes on Jesus, and by faith, lift your heart to worship the King of Glory.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2 (ESV)
