Sometimes I don’t understand Jesus. This is one of those times. I’ve wondered what his joy is that he not only wants in me but also desires to complete in me. How does keeping God’s commandments and abiding in love contribute to this joy? I guess I am joy-challenged. Could the following experiences qualify as the joy Jesus desires for us?
The voice said, “You may not remember me.” I did, despite the decades since I’d taught him in a college religion course. He went on, “At the time I was struggling with the belief system of my childhood. I was outgrowing it and was confused. You told me I wasn’t crazy. Struggling with my questions and doubts was necessary for making my faith my own. I just wanted to thank you and let you know that today I’m an ordained minister and a prison chaplain.” When I hung up the phone, I felt what I believe is joy.
Early in my ministry I invited the former president of Rust College to preach at the church I served. He was an ordained United Methodist pastor. He would be the first African American preacher to fill that church’s pulpit. In that day such an event was still out of the ordinary and risked controversy. As the date neared for his visit, I learned that a family would leave the church if he preached. I informed the administrative board that if the invitation was not rescinded, the church would lose a family. When the floor opened for discussion, only one person spoke. He said, “I don’t see how we can withdraw our invitation to someone due to skin color and still call ourselves ‘Christians.’” The vote was unanimous. And I felt what I believe is joy.
By the way, the family left but returned. And I felt what I believe is joy.