In this era of progressive betterment, the saints of God must necessarily pay attention to the vital instrument of growth and development called ‘knowledge’ (Pro. 24:4; Jn.8:32).
In our opening session (Day 1) we showed that the jubilee is a year of joy as those in bonds are freed, properties are returned to the original owners, families are rejuvenated and everyone is given a choice for a new start.
It was also mentioned that the advent of Jesus was a true jubilee meant to commence an era of true freedom. (Jn.9:39-41; 8:32; Mt.5:17).
Today, we shall throw more light on the joy and show why the saints (the just) should enjoy it.
The Just is that erstwhile sinner saved by grace, justified by Jesus and living to please the One that died for him (Rom.6:14-18; 19-22;8:1-2;2Cor.5:15,17). He appreciates the liberty in the gospel and uses it profitably (Gal.5:13-16). Such are the sheep of the Lord and do live by faith (Jn.10:27,28; Gal.3:11; Rom.1:17). Unto such belong joy (Jn.15:11; 16:24; 17:13).
Joy in our context was translated from the Hebrew word, ‘chedval’ meaning rejoicing, gladness; and from the Greek ‘chara’ meaning cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight; gladness, joyfulness.
Joy is the state of delight and well-being that results from knowing and serving the Lord. It goes with love and peace, and cannot be created by one’s own conscious effort. It is a deep-seated product of the right relationship with God (Gal.5:22). It is different from happiness, which is a mere superficial feeling of contentment (Pro.14:13); and from pleasure whose addiction robs people of fruitful living (Ecl.2:1-11; Lk.8:14; 2Tim.3:4; Tit.3:3).
Jesus is the Joy-Bringer (Lk.1:44; 2:10,11; Mt.2:10) and Giver (Mt.13:44; Lk.19:6; Jn.15:11; 17:13). Those who followed Jesus were characterized with joy (Acts 8:8; 13:50-52; 15:3; 16:34). The believer must grow to maintain his joy amidst the turbulences of life, coming to the understanding that God does permit negative experiences for pilgrim’s development unto maturity (Rom.8:28; 5:3-5) and furtherance of the gospel (Phil.1:12).
Joy in a Christian’s life is a function of his walk with the Lord (Phil.4:4; Gal.5:22). Joy is an energy booster and life harmonizer (Neh.8:10; Pro.15:13-15) and should be admired to stay optimally functional (Mt.5:12; Lk.10:20; Jn.16:22; 1Pet.1:6-8; Jas.1:2). Joy enables one to enjoy God’s blessings (Pro.5:18; 1Tim.4:3-5; Phil.4:1).
Sin robs the believer of joy in life (Ps.51:7,8,12; Jas.4:1-6). The just must learn to maintain his joy by staying connected to the Vine, the Fountain of Life (Jn.15:1,4-6, 7-10; 17:13); focused on His mercies (Ps.103:2; 116:12), and apathetic to the discordant notes of the flesh/senses (Mt.14:28-30; 2Cor.5:7).
Joy attracts, and favours peace; therefore was prescribed and sought by true disciples (Mt. 5:9; Heb.12:14; Jn.15:11).