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! Pray for Americans as they celebrate this Christmas season, not to miss the glorious miracle Christ’s birth brought to the world.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
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: Psalm 4:3-8
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
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.
