I noticed in the first 2 chapters of Luke the recurrence of the words “joy” and “rejoicing.” We, at Getting God’s Message, have reason to rejoice: Today’s program is number 8000! Think of the many lives touched by truth for over 30 years through this program. Praise God with us.
Now, to study the topic of joy and rejoicing in Luke 1 and 2 start by collecting information on this topic, correlate it into an outline and crystallize what you learn into applications.
In Luke 1:14 the angel told Zechariah, when John is born to his wife Elizabeth, he would be a joy and delight to them and many with them. This took place. When Mary visited Elizabeth, John leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Then in Mary’s Magnificat she declared, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” referring to Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:10 the angel said to the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Correlate this information into an outline: Title: Christian Joy. 1. Joy for natural miracles; eg. the birth of a child. 2. Joy – an implicit part of the gospel message. 3. Joy in personal, spiritual conversion; eg. Mary’s declaration of Christ as her Savior.
Now crystallize what we’ve found into applications. Never forget to rejoice when you observe God at work. When you share the Gospel, emphasize, it’s a message of joy. Rejoice whenever someone acknowledges Jesus as their Savior. Remember, the Gospel offers joy for all people!
