Great Joy

May 25, 2017

Opening Hymns:
Crown Him With Many Crowns: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh327.sht

Scripture Reading:
Luke 24:44-53
24:44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you--that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled."

24:45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,

24:46 and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day,

24:47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

24:48 You are witnesses of these things.

24:49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

24:50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them.

24:51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.

24:52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy;

24:53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Message:
What has made you joyous in your life? As strange as it is, I know the most joy I’ve had has come after hardships. The joy you feel after 4 years of school when you finally graduate, or the joy and energy you feel after you’ve been sick and have recovered. Happy times are indeed more impactful when they follow hardships.  

In today’s scripture, the disciples are experiencing great joy. Not only had Jesus arisen from the grave. Their teacher had taught more lessons, and opened their eyes so that they could understand the scriptures. Then, they were able to see Him ascend into heaven. The disciples had been through so much, they faced ridicule, and they even had to see their teacher die on the cross. After all they had experienced, it is no wonder the overwhelming joy they felt during all the events that followed.

Unfortunately, life does have its ups and downs… the hardships for the disciples were anything but over. They were given a mission to spread Christ’s teachings, and not everyone would want to listen. There would be more who ridiculed them… but through each challenge they faced, I can’t help but think that this joy that Christ had given them, helped sustain them through each challenging moment. Jesus had given them a hope that could not be killed, and a mission that they followed with joy.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us through each hardship we face. Thank you for the lessons and the joy that we feel as hardships fade and pass. Help sustain us with Your joy, and let us never forget the mission that You have given each of us. Grant that we may add more goodness and beauty to this world. For those who are sad, let us bring joy. For those who are sick, let us bring healing. Teach us to be Your hands to a world in need of love. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
Dona Nobis Pacem http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh376.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God