The seventy-two disciples who were sent out by Jesus returned with great joy. They were bold and courageous witnesses who had no idea about the reception they would receive or the situations they would face. However, God blessed them and worked through them. In Jesus' name, even the demons submitted to them. There is joy in serving Jesus! When someone turns to Jesus after years of praying for them or when fruit begins to appear in the life of a Bible student, we experience a similar joy. The greatest joy we have, though, is in the joy of our salvation. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our sins have been forgiven and our names have been written in the kingdom of heaven. Ministry successes come and go, but the new and abundant life we have in Christ is forever.

Do you work for a grumpy boss? If so, that is no fun at all! In contrast, Jesus, our true Lord and Master, is full of love and joy. He delights in the many blessings of God that come through him. Jesus praised God for choosing the humble to reveal the mysteries of salvation. He rejoiced that God put all things under his control and that he could reveal the Father to anyone he chose. He also rejoiced that his disciples could see the Messiah and his mighty works, something that kings and prophets had longed to see.


Application: Lord Jesus, grant us your joy.
One Word: Your names are written in heaven