Issue 1,137 – Joy and Sorrow – April 23, 2023

I snapped this shot recently because I was struck by the interplay between the bright pink blossoms with the fresh green of the willow in the background.

In a way, the scene made me think of the gospel. The long hanging branches of the willow led to it being known as a weeping willow. The blossoms are a feature of Spring.

The good news of Jesus is both an occasion for weeping and a fresh, bright new life.

The weeping is that of both God and humanity. Even though He knew that people would fall into sin, our rebellion still broke the heart of God. Not only did we rebel against Him, but the ground was laid for pain and suffering to an incomprehensible level as we sinned against one another and ourselves.

Jesus wept before going to the cross.

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:39-45

Our time for weeping comes when we recognize our sin’s magnitude and the pain Christ paid for us. Repentance comes with brokenness.

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

There was joy for Jesus in coming to redeem us.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Our joy follows when we return to the Lord and brokenness and are reconciled to Him forever.

Our eternal destiny is changed. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and transform us into the image of our Saviour. Despite the struggles that come into our lives at times, including tears, our joy grows as we know our Lord and Saviour better.

Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13b

The blossoms on my tree will soon fade, but the joy of the Lord lasts forever. Whatever comes our way, we can hold fast to Him and face the day with certainty that our God has it in hand and has redeemed us to be His children.

Rejoice in His holy name and praise Him for His love for and faithfulness to us.

Be Blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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