9/25/11

JOY


This picture brings back memories.  One and only one time have I seen this and that was 47 years ago.  I had just started to go steady with my Linda and was visiting her home for the first time.  Her mom (Dorothy) was giving the baby (her brother David) a bath in the sink.  That was the first time I had ever seen anyone do this and although David was not quite as happy as this baby, it still was something to see.  As for this picture, what struck me was how happy the baby is.  There is a special kind of joy associated with bathing, one that makes whatever time you have doing it WAY TO SHORT.  But, it also raises a question, and that is... What makes YOU joyful??  Take a look at the following passage and I will talk a bit about one of the ways I understand joy.

WEB: Philippians Chapter 2
[12] So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without murmurings and disputes, [15] that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, [16] holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labor in vain. [17] Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. [18] In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.

[19] But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing. [20] For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you. [21] For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know the proof of him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News. [23] Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it will go with me.

Paul was a servant of his brethren; he loved for them, cared for them, was concerned for them and prayed for them. So, because of this, he sent a man after his own heart to them.  Timothy was young, inexperienced and somewhat timid... but he did care and tried to do the best he could for others.  Nice way to be remembered!!!  The first sermon I ever heard at Northeast School of Biblical Studies was by brother Ed Healy.  It has stayed in my mind for 32 years because of its simplicity and profoundness.  Briefly, JOY means Jesus first, others second and yourself last of all.  In a way, its almost a complete definition of Christian discipleship.  If "JOY" is not a good way to characterize your lifestyle, then today is a good time to change.  You may or may not look like the baby in the picture, BUT, you will be a better person for it.  Oh, yes; I forgot one thing....Yyippee!!!