Our joy may be made complete. (1John 1:1-4) 241007
Jesus is not a myth. When Apostle John wrote this Epistle (letter), he declared: from the beginning (this was John’s style of writing, and the term beginning would likely draw the attention of first century believer, especially the Jews, that this is a spiritual writing), he knew that Jesus was really a living being like anyone of them because he and the other witnesses (most probably the other apostles) had heard Jesus spoke, had seen Jesus lived on earth, and had behold and touched Jesus personally in flesh (v1). John was merely proclaiming what he saw and heard (v2) so that those who read of this epistle may have fellowship with him (v3) and have their joy be made complete (v4).
What does Apostle John mean by ‘our joy may be made complete’ (v4)? What joy was he talking about? This question puzzled me for many years ever since I became a follower of Jesus Christ. And ironically, recently, I am very unhappy. The last thing that came to my mind was joy.
Some commentators said that this joy is the joy of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. The joy of having eternal life, the joy of hope, the joy of glory, the joy of strength and the joy of a new family. I am grateful that the Lord reminded me that I need this joy.
My schoolmates from Singapore Bible College like the way I made announcement, because I can made them laugh. It is not because I am a good joke teller, but I am simple a joke to them. I bring them joy, but deep within me, I am not unhappy. This is my third year in Bible College, I am bored! I am bored of studying, I am bored of going to class, I am bored of reading and reading, I am bored of writing paper after paper, and I am bored of people who are doing the same thing.
When there is boredom, there is no joy. Furthermore, my recent family situation had drained me of my emotion energy quite a lot. I find that I cannot pull myself to really enjoy myself. I can still make people laugh, I can still produce papers and assignments, I can still perform all my duties and responsibilities, and I can still laugh at myself; but somehow, my joy is not complete. It is there in me, I find joy talking to people, encouraging them and just to have fellowship with them, but my joy is just not complete.
Maybe I just have focus on the reality of Jesus. I have to look to His Cross, hear His prayer for me, and touch by His grace. May these help me to find joy. Not only joy, but makes complete my joy.
Are you tired or bored like me lately too? Look at Cross, pray and listen to His voice, and soak yourself in His presence in quietness. This may help. This devotion is written, so that our joy may be made complete.
HHS…
Abel…
