Re:Verse passage – John 20:19-23 (day five) Make no mistake, the disciples were afraid. Not just scared, but terrified to the point of being paranoid and debilitated. Trapped behind locked doors (not only keeping Jewish leaders out, but keeping them shut in). Their minds were racing as to the potential dangers they could be facing. A perfect picture of what unhealthy fear does to the heart and soul.
Yet Jesus comes and places Himself in their “midst”. Not on the periphery but among them. What happened to them/in them is amazing. They were filled with joy. With the joy came courage and peace. With the joy came hope and clarity. With the joy came mission and purpose.
It was a life changing moment brought about by joy. Was there still fear? I suppose. But their joy was greater, and that made all the difference. Oh Lord, fill us with joy.
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Joy is the serious business of heaven. – C. S. Lewis
Are you reading the three pages per day from Don Guthrie? What a PERFECT compliment to his blog today. Be JOYFUL!