Jesus, My Joy

We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

John wanted his fellow man to experience the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. John had seen Him with his own eyes. Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus, to walk beside Him, to listen to Him teach, to watch Him interact with people, and to marvel at His miraculous power. I sure would like to have been a fly on the wall! No one had done what Jesus did. No one spoke like He did. No one showed love like He did. John was captured by the person of Jesus Christ. He sat with Him at the table of the last supper (John chapter 13). He watched Him pray in the garden before His arrest (John 18:1-11). He watched Him as He was falsely accused at trial (John 18:12-40). He watched Him as the Roman soldiers beat Him beyond recognition (John 19:1). He watched as Jesus hung on the cross at Golgotha. (John 19:17-42). Wait! There is more!!! He ran with Peter to see the empty tomb (John 20:1-10). He watched as Jesus walked through the wall and appeared to the disciples after His resurrection (John 20:19-23). He stood gazing into heaven as Jesus ascended, and he heard the words of the angels as they reiterated the promise of His return (Acts 1:9-11). John wanted everyone to know Him too. When we truly know Jesus Christ as our Lord, grasp the fullness of who He is, what He has accomplished for us, what He can do, and the unsearchable riches of His grace, we, too, will want everyone to know Him!! My soul sighs in deep sorrow because of those who don’t know the joy Christ has brought to my life. My heart aches because so many are selling their lives to an artificial substitute. So many are searching for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Its’s just a mirage in this life. However, Jesus has the rainbow wrapped around His shoulders. Nothing, and no one, can impart the joy to our lives that only our Creator can. Give me the world and I have nothing. Give me Jesus and I have the One who holds all of creation in the palm of His hand. I don’t know about you, but the joy Jesus gives me is beyond any temporary happiness that this current state of life can afford in its entirety.
Thank You Jesus for genuine, eternal joy. You have lavished my spirit and soul with the unfading beauty and majesty of Your presence. My soul is satisfied only in You!!! Like John, You are my JOY!!!!!!!