Scriptures: John 15:11; 16:24; Hebrews 12:2
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The Greek word for joy in the Bible is chara (χαρά). It means deep fulfillment. The English word happiness refers more to fleeting feelings or circumstances. Happiness depends on circumstances; biblical joy is the fulfillment of God’s purpose for our lives.
John 15:11 says, “that your joy may be complete.” God’s joy is not related to circumstances; it is related to His purpose being fulfilled in our lives. John 16:24 says, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” When we ask for anything in His name, we are asking for His purpose to be fulfilled in our lives.
Hebrews 12:2 gives the ultimate example of this: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame…” In the flesh, Jesus prayed that the cup of the cross might be removed if possible. He did not want to be crucified.
Yet He submitted, saying, “Not my will, but your will be done.” How could the Father’s will—the cross—possibly be the joy set before Him? It was a deep satisfaction in fulfilling the Father’s purpose. That purpose was stated in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished.” Romans 8:28 reminds us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God has a purpose for each of us. When we die to self and yield to His purpose, we are fulfilled. Any other pursuit leaves us empty, no matter the wealth or fame it may produce.
Reflection:
As we light the candle representing joy, the question for each of us is: Are we willing for His purpose to be fulfilled in us?