Bible Verse of the Day Sunday March 13th 2022

 John 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

At the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, a large part of the world's population was overjoyed. Finally, a heretic was dead to the world's people, and the world lost a troublemaker. But, on the other hand, the followers of Jesus mourned. Their lives were caving in around them, and all their hope was gone. Then, on day three after His crucifixion, He rose from the dead; the tomb was empty. The Jewish leaders worked with the Roman officials to silence all that was testifying of His resurrection. They did not want the world to know that the grave could not hold Jesus. The opposition only cemented that it was true, that Christ had risen from the dead.

The resurrection of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus transformed everything! The result of the resurrection is joy. It was a joy for the disciples of those days and all who would choose to follow Jesus down through the ages. We rejoice because we have proof that there is life beyond the grave.

Therefore, the followers of Christ Jesus have a definite advantage in that Jesus did rise from the dead. He offers forgiveness that makes us pure in God's eyes. He says the past failures, those things that shackle us with guilt, can be forgiven. It is something we wouldn't dare believe was true if it were not for the resurrection. The resurrection proves that Christ's sacrifice for us was sufficient and acceptable.

If these things are true (and they are), why is the church lacking in joy? We keep trying to do what Christ has already done, and only Christ can do. We can never undo the past, make up for past mistakes. We cannot be good enough. We want to earn our way. We want to be worthy of heaven, but it is impossible. We need a Rescuer, a Savior, and we have one in Christ Jesus, we must place our faith and trust in Him.

Our Lord tells us that we will now be granted access to God as a result of His resurrection. President John Kennedy used to allow his children to come into his oval office at any time. They didn't need an appointment; they could go in and sit on dad's lap whenever they desired. God operates by the same policy.

We can turn to God and get help with anything. Yet it is a privilege some generally ignore. Is something robbing you of joy? Take it to the Lord in Prayer. Is something weighing your heart down? Talk about it with the Father. Is there a mountain that you can't seem to overcome? Then talk to the Mountain-Mover.

Try something bold when you see a group of unbelievers or sour-faced church members. Smile at them, share a laugh, respond in joy. It will probably make them wonder what is going on with you. And maybe, just maybe, you'll get the opportunity to tell them.

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