Jesus Movement Minute: Outrageous Joy!
Unfortunately, we’ve painted a picture of such a sad Jesus to the world.
The Gospel portrayal is that of a man who walked through Galilee relishing life. He picked up children, showed up at parties, and hung out with a bunch of extremely interesting people.
When the religious cops challenged Jesus’ lack of asceticism (big word for sour-faced-don’t-doers-who-impress-one-another), He simply said, “Hey, being with Me is like being at a wedding party!” (Mark 2:18-19)
Now I know that following Jesus isn’t all fun and games. I’m the guy with the incurable lymphoma, remember? I’m also the guy teaching through the book of First Peter on Sundays at Church of the Open Door. So I absolutely get it that following Jesus is costly and involves suffering for Him.
But if we’re following Him, aren’t we close to Him? Shouldn’t the same joy the disciples had when they shared their lives with Him be ours today?
Before you answer no, read 1 John 1:1-4.
I’m convinced that there are enough “Debbie-downer” believers to keep everyone serious about how hard the Christian life is. Last time I checked, following Him, even when it’s costly, is the most joyful option in life.
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4).
Thanks for the reminder Ed.