But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. – John 17:13
Can you readily identify counterfeit currency? If you were given change after a purchase that included three ten-dollar bills, one of them not government-issued, could you tell the difference? In 2023, the Secret Service seized $21.8 million in counterfeit currency, leading to over 200 arrests. Yet it is estimated that between $70-200 million in counterfeit money is in circulation in the United States at any given time. To the untrained eye, the differences may be imperceptible, often even when placed side by side with the genuine article.
Jesus has called on those who follow Him to be distinguishable from the world. One characteristic of believers is to be filled with doctrinally-based joy, joy that exalts Jesus Christ, and joy that flows out of their lives like living water (John 7:38). Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Theologian John Piper calls it “astounding, incredible, empowering, priceless gift of the Holy Spirit who resides in us, just as Jesus promised.” Teacher and author Jon Bloom says, “When we experience the joy of the Holy Spirit, we taste the joy that is at the core of ultimate reality.”
You were created for joy, Piper writes. “The awakening of God-glorifying joy is like the unexplored mountain ranges you can barely see from the magnificent cliffs where you worship. You have seen much—if only a fraction.” It is the joy that glorifies Jesus and the Father that separates those who know Christ from the counterfeits. Pray for officials in government who claim to have faith to authentically embrace salvation in Jesus, so that their joy genuinely glorifies the Lord.
Today’s Verse: John 17:13
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
