Resurrection Joy
What was that joy set before Jesus that made Him gladly endure the cross?
Two Gospel accounts of Jesus' death describe the Temple's veil tearing from top to bottom right after He breathes his last. That veil had hidden the ark of the covenant; the place where God's presence rested; the holy of holies. Now, a maimed man dies on a cross, the veil is torn and the ark of the covenant is seen by all.
What an incredible answer to Jesus' last prayer to His Father in John 17:13 that His (Jesus') joy would be ours . . . that the depth and breadth of relationship He had with His Father could be ours. Jesus wanted that for you and me.
That's what the resurrection is all about: Taste and live the power and miracle of intimacy with God the Father. See beyond the torn veil - do you see the Father's eyes, fastened on you? Hear Him say "Come my beloved. Don't be afraid. My Son did what needed to be done, so that you and I may walk and talk minute by minute, day by day."
"Now let the heavens be joyful,
Let earth her song begin:
Let the round world keep triumph,
And all that is therein;
Invisible and visible,
Their notes let all things blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen
Our joy that hath no end."
-- John of Damascus
Easter-resurrection-Sunday is over. Joy with God never ends.
by Renee James, CBWOQ
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