While sharing teaching last night, a word popped into my vision from the scripture specifically referenced.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4 NKJV)
To be glad, cheerful, and full of joy. A term of salutation wishing cheer on a receiver. To greet, as in passing one another on the street and expressing happiness at seeing one another.
Jesus describes a day of rejoicing and “leaping for joy,” which makes one think that your actions express how you feel inside.
But “rejoice” was also instruction given to Mary, who, after the news, probably saw all the possible negatives.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary.
And having come in, the angel said to her,
“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying,
and considered what manner of greeting this was.
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
(Luke 1:26-33 NKJV)
Troubled. Think about it. She was agitated by the manner of greeting. Rejoice? What are you talking about? Mary is hearing strange news, and though young, she’s not ignorant of the advent. Read the remainder of the chapter, and you’ll see her final response. (Luke 1:46-56)
One word, plus time, produces a great response!
Here’s my thought, and it’s shallow and deep at the same time.
Sometimes, we are encouraged to respond one way, but how so when the whole story is unknown? Time will tell if we can rejoice. Right? We all say this. Think this. Yes, and live this. “Trust me.” Really? What’s the whole story?
Oh, wayward child, come home. No peace until you do.
Is this promotion a blessing or a curse? Time will tell.
“I Do.” That is a big promise for such a small sentence. Am I ready?
Dust to dust. The ending of a life lived. Will we ever be whole again?
This list is endless.
Not all rejoicing happens simultaneously.
Unless we are all on the same page.
Even then, not everyone is excited for the same reason.
Pause. Glance around. What’s the status of this ol’ earth?
We are in a season of rejoicing.
For spiritual reasons, ’tis the season.
For some, anything to change the meaning…
After all, I don’t hear jingling or jangling in the Bible!
But I do hear a heavenly host,
Singing while announcing,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
I do hear wise men who seek him,
Just as the shepherds do in a field at night.
The King is equally curious,
But for reasons only he can explain.
Today. Rejoice, says Paul. Again, I say, Rejoice.
Bring joy and cheer, salutation, and blessings.
Let’s spread His Joy to His Creation,
After all, it’s His Story. Yes, and it’s mine.
