New Heart: Living in the Joy of the Lord
READY:
“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
SET:
Think back to a moment in your life that was basked in victory.
The banners clearly proclaimed: Victory! Success! Win! Triumph!
What were some of your thoughts and feelings in that moment?
What was your joy level?
How about your outward response to this victory?
As athletes, we love moments of victory.
We love watching victories in sports and being a part of great wins and triumphs.
There is something so glorious about victory.
Joy and victory come hand in hand through Jesus’ resurrection.
From the world’s perspective days before, the scene would not shout victory in the voices of those around.
Jesus was betrayed by someone close to Him, arrested, bound, and led to the governor’s headquarters to be falsely accused, given a crown of thorns twisted together and put on his head, and be sentenced to death by crucifixion for being the Son of God. (John 19:7)
From the outside looking in, it looks like what was happening was really bad.
However, Jesus had joy knowing what was to come,
“for the joy that was set before Him [Jesus] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
What was going to come?
Him rising from the grave and conquering sin and death. Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25
Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate banner of victory in the history of mankind.
His resurrection shouts “Triumph! Victory! Conqueror!”
When you’re on a team and when one person scores a goal, all on the team get to receive the victory.
Are you on Team Jesus?
Jesus brought about the greatest victory for His team.
When we repent and turn to Him in faith, He gives us a new heart, a new score, and a new jersey.
Team Jesus is a team of great triumph and victory.
Walk, run, train, and live in victory!
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
1 Corinthians 15:57
GO:
- What does Jesus’ death and resurrection mean to you?
- Is there any place in your life that you need to experience a victory? What can help lead you to that victory?
- How does joy differ from happiness? How can you have joy in difficult circumstances?
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