Perfect Joy

Opening Prayer of Adoration and Exultation.

In ancient Israel, joy was often expressed through music and dancing. The people celebrated their deliverance from Egypt with songs and tambourines. In Exodus 15, Miriam led the women in praise after their miraculous escape. This historical moment captures the essence of joyful worship, inspiring us to express our gratitude to the King of Kings in similar ways. When we remember what He has done for us, our hearts naturally overflow with joy and worship.

Read Psalm 47.

Do I allow the Joy of the LORD to resonate and move within me?

I. Joy is our response before the King of the Universe. (v. 1-4)

The greatest joy of a Christian is to give joy to Christ.

Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 16:11 LSB

11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Typically sung during the feast of Tabernacles, this worship hymn calls for the congregation to rejoice in heart-felt exuberance.

The psalm written by the sons of Korah, a member of the Levites, penned the song as they worshipped God for whom he is and for what He had done for the people of Israel.

The faithful gathered to celebrate the feast of tabernacles are reminded who is their true and steadfast King.

You and I are called to find our joy in a person whose very existence and character are eternal and immutable.

Nehemiah 8:10 LSB

10 Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”

II. The Lord’s reign is the source of our faith and joy. (v. 5-8)

The greatest joy of a Christian is to give joy to Christ.

Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 22:3 LSB

3 Yet You are holy, Enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

YHWH our God is one who is personally known. For the OT people’s the Prophets proclaimed His law and his coming appearing. To the NT people, Jesus Christ removed the need for further intermediaries, as god himself took on flesh and living among us to redeem the human condition known as sin.

The people are called not just to “follow,” “subscribe,” or to simply “visit” Him on a regular basis. The people are called to praise His name above all other names, to remember His faithfulness from Adam to the present. What a great and faithful God is our God!

YHWH is not like idols made by human hands, like the false gods whose worship is not freedom but oppression. YHWH rules over everyone and everything because He created all things and calls humanity to acknowledge Him as LORD of Lords and KING of Kings through Jesus, the only begotten of the Father (The Eternal Son).

John 16:22 LSB

22 “Therefore you too have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

Advent reminds us that joy is present through the thick and thin of life, through the brightest and darkest of circumstances life throws at us. Remember Veggie Tales? “God is bigger than the Boogie Man.”

III. God’s plan will render His enemies as worshipers and subjects. (v. 9)

Circumstances, people, and worry are the thieves that are eager to steal the joy of the ministry. Humility, devotion to Christ, and trust in God protect the joy that is Christ’s legacy to every Christian.

John F. MacArthur

The praise hymn of enthronement culminates with the majestic sight of the future leading the people who trust the Lord to see God’s reign established and fulfilled at the end of time.

The noble houses of the world that at one point accosted and caused pain to Israel in the past will one day come and worship the LORD with all the faithful.

The eschatological truth is that God in His Son, Jesus Christ, will render evil and its consequences meaningless at his second coming and it all started with his first. Here is the reason why Christmas is so important.

3 John 3–4 LSB

3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Is my joy grounded on firm or fleeting promises? what joy resonates in my heart?

IV. A King’s joy displayed in powerful meekness.

Jesus was the very King of meekness.

Arthur Walkington Pink

Luke 2:8–11 LSB

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Hear the Words of the Old Hymn:

I am so happy in Christ today,

That I go singing along my way;

Yes, I’m so happy to know and say,

Jesus included me, too!

Jesus included me,

Yes, He included me;

When the LORD said, “Whosoever,”

He included me!

Jesus included me,

Yes, He included me;

When the LORD said, “Whosoever,”

He included me.

~~ “He Included Me” #630

How do I respond to this mighty meek Joy?

Rejoice in God’s Gift—Confess your sin, Repent of your pride, pledge your life and allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Rejoice through Reconciliation—Leave your wayward ways behind, repent from wandering, and be welcomed by the Father, back home.

Rejoice in Communion—Be joined to a faith family that rejoices in sharing life, faith, and the joy of our common faith and salvation.

Closing Prayer (Adoration & Petition)