Luke 10:17-24, New International Version

Have you ever seen a joyful person?  What drives and sustains their joy?  Joy is grounded in our relationship with God.  The evidence of joy comes in the response to who Christ is and what he has done.  We can reclaim the joy of the LORD!

Jesus spends the 72 disciples on a mission; the mission was the same as Jesus’ own ministry: “cure the sick” and “say to them, ‘the kingdom of God has come near to you.’”  We go “ahead of him,” bringing his message where we go.  Sharing the love of Christ in the neighborhood, community, city and the world is what started the revolution of Jesus.

Jesus’ advice on the mission was to “go light.”  In our terms the equivalent advice would be, “Don’t let stuff get in the way or conflict with your ministry of the gospel.”  Once you find like-minded people, work with them.  After returning from the mission, there is a sense of unspeakable joy!

 Joy is a deliberate act of obedience!
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”   Luke 10:17

Joy is the ultimate response to God’s salvation!
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”   Luke 10:18-20

Pleasing God brings joy!
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”   Luke 10:21

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“Joy is possible!”