St Charles United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
September 2010
John 15:11 is one of the Scriptures that grabs the heart and will not let go. Jesus has just instructed his followers to abide in his love. He invites them to live in a loving relationship with him as friends. He explains the need to love others if we want to love him.
However, it is verse 11 that is so compelling. He says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
Have you ever thought of Jesus filled with joy? That’s how he described himself…full of joy. He was giving his farewell speech—yet viewed himself as joyful! Equally significant is his desire to give it to us so that our joy may be complete.
The question is not whether or not we are prepared for sorrow. Tragedies and stress and frustrations find even the most diligent among us. The question is whether or not we are prepared for our joy to be complete.
Is it possible that many of us don’t enjoy and embrace all Jesus has to offer because we don’t believe that is what Jesus wants for us?
The leader of the Clergy Women’s retreat, Judy Christie asked of us, “If Jesus were to ask you what you want, what would you say?”
I pondered her question all evening. The answer was not immediately obvious. Something tells me I will ask—and answer –that same question many times in the years ahead. Today, however, the words of John 15:11 rings in my ears. If Jesus wants to give me his joy that my joy will be complete, then I would ask him for the wisdom and self-confidence to allow His joy to define and inform everything I do and everything I am—and for the courage to share His joy by loving those whom He loves.
Too many of us find our choices influenced by anything BUT the joy of Jesus. We are scared to share ourselves fully for fear of rejection. We don’t risk being generous with our money or our talent or our time because we are afraid we won’t be happy or safe if we have less. We fill our heads with the “should’s” of religion instead of Christ’s invitation of relationship. And worse still, we relegate God to the ultimate Principal and we are students trying desperately not to get called into His office!
“If Jesus were to ask you what you want, what would you say?”
Whatever your answer, I hope you’ll at least hear the question from the one who’s desire is to fill your heart and your life and your ministry with HIS joy.
Thanks be to God for the gift of His son—our savior and our friend. Amen. See you in church.
Pastor Juliet Replays of audio sermons are now available on the Audio Sermon blog.For previous Juliet's Jots go to the Newsletter page.
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