Let us fix our eyes on Jesus … who for the joy set before him endured the cross … — Hebrews 12:2
… continued from yesterday …
Why is it that Richard Wurmbrand’s prison cell would glitter to him like a thousand diamonds? Why would another brother who was tortured with boiling oil see the glory of God? Why was the broken, raspy voice of a fellow prisoner singing the most beautiful song in the world?
Isn’t it because in their pain they connected with the One who found joy?
Jesus descended into pain, but rose into joy. And so, He holds joy as His eternal possession. My little pleasures can quickly and easily be taken away from me. But God’s pleasure, God’s happiness, is made out of stronger stuff. It stands up to abuse. It towers above all the suffering of all the ages.
There is a King James Version scripture that reads: "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." At some point, we enter into the indestructible happiness of God. Heaven wouldn’t be heaven if God wasn’t happy.
I talk about treasures in jars of clay. Well, this jar of clay has very little to offer those who are suffering. But the Treasure inside has everything to offer: Indestructible joy.
… a final thought tomorrow …
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.