When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. – Matthew 2:10
As travelers far from home, looking for direction by scanning the night sky, and following only a promise that they would look upon the face of the one-born King of the Jews, the Magi finally witnessed illumination in the place where the child would be found. And they experience divine joy! While the way of their journey was long, and at times treacherous, God led them to joy.
While circumstantial happiness in your life will come and go, the day God’s Holy Spirit came to reside in your heart, He also brought along great treasure He wants to share with you! While He despises sin and its effects upon humanity, He created life in gladness. It is for His deep pleasure that the Lord saves all those that look to Him for salvation.
Joy was the motivation for Christ to complete His work upon the cross. “Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).
And His joy is the source of what will sustain you in labor and difficulties, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Ultimately, this joy is the reward awaiting all who follow Christ, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
Tap into the foretold delight of God’s Spirit at work in your life today. Like the Magi, follow Him into the divine unknown, clinging to His promises, and witness joy!
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