“Joy”
This story is to be read at two levels.
The first level, the overarching story, tells of how the people of Israel at that time were still attending to their worship of God; still praying; still hoping.
The scene is the temple in Jerusalem.
And then there is this magnificant appearance of Gabriel. He appears to Zechariah and announces the wonderful news that he will have a son.
And the declaration about this impending birth draws on the tradition of Old Testament hopes and promises.
The promise of the Word of God is beginning to be fulfilled.
And within this powerful story of the God of Creation moving to redeem all of creation – you have the simple story of an old man and old woman who could not have children.
On this particular day – he was chosen by lot to offer incense to God. Literally a once in a lifetime opportunity.
And while there, he has this encounter. One that terrified him.
There is much that Gabriel says. Much that places the events within the unfolding plan of God.
But there is one thing tucked away in the midst of it that catches the eye.
In verse 14 Gabriel says…
“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.”
Stepping back from all the gandeur of what was happening – for this simple couple there is the promise of joy.
Just this simple and wonderful promise of “joy and delight”.
Two levels of the story.
The salvation of the world; and God blessing an old faithful couple in a deeply personal way. For them.
Joy is the promise to them. A theme which is strong in this part of the story of Jesus.
The Christmas story is shot through with joy.
Later when Elizabeth is pregnant with John and Mary visits, the baby in Elizabeth leaps for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice (Luke 1:44).
When John is born the neighbours share great joy (Luke 1:58).
The angels appear to the shepherds with news “of great joy” and the shepherds return rejoicing (Luke 2).
The wise men experience joy when the star stops over the birthplace of Christ (Matt 2).
Yet the problem with reading about Zechariah – and this beautiful comment about the joy and delight which will be his and Elizabeth’s – is knowing how it all ends.
Their son is beheaded. Granted that in all likelihood Zechariah and Elizabeth would have no longer been living by then – but still – for the reader of the story it seems at odds with the promise of joy and delight.
In fact – with the whole Christmas story – the claims of joy are surely overshadowed by what we know is to come to pass.
Knowing the end from the beginning – isn’t this joy misplaced?
When injustice, brutality, betrayal, evil are present – how can we speak of joy?
John the Baptist is eventually beheaded; infants in Bethlehem are massacred; Jesus suffers and dies.
Yes – He rises again – but is “joy” really the best word to link with all these events?
What about you?
Is the experience of joy a feature of your faith in Christ?
Sure you love Him, are faithful to Him, believe in Him – but joy?
Is that a feature of your life?
Throughout the story of Jesus – the experience of joy continues to emerge.
When the disciples discover that demons flee at the name of Jesus – but He says that’s nothing – rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
At the resurrection – fear and disbelief are there but joy is mixed in.
From beginning to end, from then until today – joy is the golden thread that runs through the whole story of Christ.
No matter what.
It never leaves the scene.
Yet – neither does hostility and suffering.
Which is it? Joy or suffering?
Generally speaking – I think you would be a rare person if “joy” was your dominant and constant experience.
And so often it seems that hardship and suffering snuff out any sense of joy.
Why is joy so seemingly elusive?
Why do problems and pressure seem to be people’s main experience?
On the night Jesus was arrested and His trial began – He talked to them about what was going to happen.
And what – on that dark night – was the main thrust of what He said?
Joy.
He talked about joy.
And pain and grief. But that joy would triumph.
He said:
"Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:19-24)
Here is another Zechariah moment.
You have the story of God unfolding and it is to be read at two levels.
At the level of how God in Christ is reconciling the world to Himself.
And then the way that story impacts the individual.
Who in the moment – and in this case – enjoys a friendship with Jesus and who is more than a little bit uncertain about all that is happening; and in a very short time will be (like Zechariah) – terrified.
Yet – Jesus speaks of joy.
It comes up again.
That distinctive which always seems to be at the heart of encounters with Christ.
Simply put - the message to the disciples was that He (Christ) defined life.
He foretold that there would be pain and grief for them – but joy would come.
Like the joy after child-birth.
Here He is referring to His death. Many would rejoice at that – but His disciples would grieve.
But He would rise again – and joy would be theirs.
And even more so – He would open up access to God the Father and that would involve joy.
Complete joy.
But the key to all of this – is to keep Christ in view.
Heb 12:1-3
" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
In doing that you will discover the secret about joy.
And it is a secret easily forgotten and needs to be rediscovered time and again.
The secret about joy – it’s a gift.
Everytime!
Joy is not something that you can pysch yourself into; it’s not something you can will for yourself…
It is a gift from God. Just as Zechariah discovered.
It is centred on what He has done in Christ.
Through Christ – you have access to the Father. You can pray in the name of Jesus.
In Christ you can know peace with God; reconciliation; rest for your soul.
All of this in the sure presence of pain, grief and anguish.
Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit Who is gifted to all those Who believe in Christ.
Later – these same disciples were persecuted because they kept talking to others about Jesus.
In Acts 5 the religious leaders had them flogged for that. And scripture says they left the scene of their punishment rejoicing that they had been considered worthy of suffering for the Name!
Joy in the midst of suffering.
The secret of joy is to understand that it is a gift from God and that it is centred on Christ.
In the midst of life – you will experience joy even though the actual events in your life are seemingly no different.
Presented By: Rev. Geoff New