+DEV+ Message of Exuberant Joy

Date: December 5, 2013 10:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of Exuberant Joy

Message of Exuberant Joy

"'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents" (LUKE 15:6-7)

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:1-12

When my friend first brought his new puppy home, they all fell in love it. He was so cute, but containing his exuberance was nearly impossible! I can still see my friend, having a talk with the dog, saying, "Real dogs don't bound, Pepper. So no more bounding!” Then off the little guy would bound.

In Luke's account of Jesus' birth, we read the angel's message to the shepherds, "I bring you good news of great joy." This word "joy" could be translated "exuberant joy," and is the picture of young lambs bounding in complete stress-free happiness, like the puppy, Pepper.

If we look even closer, we find more. The Greek word for "joy" is chara, which comes from rejoice - chairo. And chairo is related to charis, the Greek words we translate as "grace." So joy is directly related to grace! Amazing. Perhaps this heavenly messenger was giving a double message, "I've good news for fallen humans. Tonight God sent His Son as a message of His grace towards you - so be exuberant and boundless in joy!"

Insight: Jesus told about a lost sheep and the shepherd's joy when it was found (Luke 15:1-7). That's how He feels when we turn to Him.


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