Jesus First, Yourself Last, Others In-Between.

(Today we continue reflection on the sermon preached by Pastor Sam at the Church of the Good Shepherd, as part of the series of ecumenical services held in the Northeast Bronx for Holy Week.)

The joy of the LORD.

In Tuesday night's sermon, Pastor Sam noted that in the midst of the exhortation for remaining in the vine, Jesus presents the promise of joy for those who obey His commands (see John 15:11). He says, I have told you this so that My joy may be in you.

Well, it's interesting. Jesus didn't say "so that joy may be in you", He said "so that My joy may be in you". It begs the question, what is His joy? How is His joy distinct from regular human joy? Pastor Sam gave an example that is indicative of the joy of the LORD, and it's a great one for us to reflect on at this time.

In the New Testament, we find in Acts 16 the account of Paul and Silas. They had delivered a slave girl from a demonic spirit of divination, and the owners of that slave were furious that they could no longer make money off of the girl. As a result of that healing act Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and put into the innermost prison cell with their feet in stocks.

What did Paul and Silas do?

They prayed and sang praises to God.
They preached and brought salvation to the jailer and his whole household.

Oh, my friends, and in particular my friends that are pastors and leaders, the joy of the LORD is indeed our strength. We live in a world that criticizes us for bringing deliverance to the captives. We live in a world that subsidizes sickness, and some people don't want to be fully healed because it means they won't get that monthly check anymore. Our obedience to God might well land us in prison.

So, if you should find yourself in prison, I'd like to encourage you to follow the example of Paul and Silas. Pray, praise, preach. Keep saving the lost.

Oh, and I'd like to also encourage you to remember that Jesus's promise of His joy is not a global promise. It is only promised to those disciples who obey His commands.

Remain in Jesus.
Remain in His love by obeying His commands.
Obey Him by loving each other as He has loved you.
Jesus has appointed you to go and bear fruit: be sure to carry out your assignment.

The blessings of Christ, and His joy, to each of you.