The Foundation of Joy; part 1

Where do we find our deepest Joy?

The foundation of true happiness begins with a commission for us all.

(Compiled from The Jesus Film Project)

Luke 10:17

Seventy disciples that Jesus sent out to do evangelism, come back filled with joy that the spirits are were subject unto them.

Joy = chara = calm delight

It is the same word used in Luke when the angel of the Lord visits the shepherds who attended Christ’s birth.

Jesus helps the disciples channel their joy.

Luke 10:18-20

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

This alone should give us great pause even now that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life for those who love the Lord Jesus and have called Him by name to be their savior and God.

Jesus gives them the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, but makes it clear that they should not be rejoicing over the fact that the spirits are subject to them, but that their names are written in heaven.

There is great rejoicing to be had for anyone that has their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The Jesus Film Project is an organization that began in 1981 by Campus Crusade for Christ who distributed the story of Jesus through film. It is estimated that over 200 million people have come to know Christ through this project.

They published an article entitled 40 vs about Evangelism.

While some like Terry and I are called into full time ministry of evangelism, we are all called to share the gospel.

Our goodness is a form of evangelism.

Matthew 5:15-16 (KJV)

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Why don’t people light a lamp and put it under a bowl? Because it’s wasted effort. If you light a lamp, you’re bringing light to your home. Here Jesus reminds us that He doesn’t want to waste His efforts either. Our lamps have been lit with the intention that we would give light to others as well.

It’s important to note that, in this instance, our good deeds are the light He is talking about. When we do good works, we give credence to the gospel. It’s not just the evil that we do that works against the gospel, but also our unwillingness to do good.

Real Life Example:

- Dick Bramen (gout in my foot and 2 feet of snow)

Evangelism is wise work.

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

When this Proverb was written, the idea of “saving lives” had more to do with delivering them from evil paths which lead to death. In light of the gospel story, it takes on a whole new significance. When considered within the context of Christ’s work, the fruit of the righteous is quite literally a tree of life and the work of saving lives!

Real Life Examples:

- Jowana Sautu in Alice Springs with the woman on the mountain.

The Evangelist makes God’s greatness known.

Ezekiel 38:23 (KJV)

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

God reiterates to Ezekiel the Old Testament theme that He desires for Israel and the prophets to be the vessel that communicates God’s awesomeness. It’s always been God’s desire that He would have a people through whom the rest of the world would be blessed as they made His virtues known.

Real Life Example:

- The boy that told me God had never done anything good for him

Evangelism is a divine responsibility.

Ezekiel 3:17-19 (KJV)

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

In this passage, God gives the prophet Ezekiel the task of being a “watchman” for Judah. The main point of this commission is that Ezekiel would deliver God’s message and warnings faithfully. A sobering element of this calling is the knowledge that when Ezekiel neglects to share the Lord’s warning for Judah’s wickedness, he will share in the responsibility.

This passage should shake us, Christ’s followers, out of our slumber. We, too, are watchmen of sorts. We have a message of salvation to deliver, and some responsibility lies on the messenger who neglects to give the message.

Real Life Examples:

- The acrobatic couple, Simon and Mimi on Glenel beach in South Australia who told me, “I once was a very committed Christian.”

Give reason for the Hope you have.

1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

This verse from Peter reveals how simple evangelism can be. It isn’t about arguing someone into submission. It’s about gently and respectfully sharing why you have your hope is in Christ. It doesn’t need to be contentious or difficult. It should be natural and sincere.

Evangelism promises immediate results.

Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The gospel isn’t something that only pays dividends in the sweet by-and-by. If we simply share the benefits of the gospel as something that saves people after they die, we’re doing it a disservice. The gospel has immediate benefits to those who are weary and broken, and we need to make sure that we are communicating the supernatural strength available to those who submit to the Lord.

In your walk with Christ, where do you find the greatest joy?

- Is it knowing you are saved?

- Is it the spirit’s voice during prayer?

- It is the comfort of knowing you will spend eternity in heaven?

- Or is it in the shout of His name on your lips as you proclaim His goodness & His glory!

The Foundation of Joy.

The disciples of Christ found their joy in evangelizing His good name!

“Enthusiasm runs high when we step into that place of glorifying God.”

E W Helmick

C. S. Lewis wrote in his book, Surprised by Joy which is the story of his wife, Joy and her death. He writes,

“Joy is distinct not only from pleasure in general but even from aesthetic pleasure. It must have the stab, the pang, the inconsolable longing.”

C. S. Lewis

My wish for you is that your hope and joy are a stab and a pang, an inconsolable longing that cannot be ignored. That you find yourself shouting Jesus name to anyone that is near you or within hearing distance.