20 Jan February 12th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

REJOICE!

1 Thessalonians 5:16  “Rejoice always . . . “

Alan Richardson, in his Theological Word Book, says that “Throughout the Old and New Testament, joy and gladness are specifically and consistently related in the whole life of Israel or the Church.  Joy is not an isolated or occasional part of the whole relation to God . . .it is part of God’s gift from Himself to you.”

Joy comes to you by the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word and the Sacraments.  His Word uplifts your soul and your spirit.  Through the sacraments you receive the forgiveness of your sins, your faith is strengthened, and you receive the assurance of eternal life.  This is your source of joy and gladness that is irreplaceable.  You are a citizen of God’s Kingdom and an alien here on earth.  As a member of God’s kingdom Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit . . .”  God fills you by the power of the Holy Spirit with “all joy and peace as you trust in him.” (Romans 15:13)

The joy that God through His Holy Spirit gives you now fills you with an anticipation of the joy you will have when you are with Him and all the Saints for all eternity.  For when you are with Him forever, “He will wipe every tear from (your) eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things (will have) passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

The Angel said to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)  No wonder the word joy is found 165 times in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and the word Rejoice is found 430 times.

John the Baptist, after Jesus came to him in the wilderness said, “now my joy is complete . . .”  Because of Jesus you also are blessed by God with joy that no one and nothing can take from you.  Rejoice and be glad because Jesus has saved you and one day with come to take you to be with Him in paradise.

Prayer:  Thank You Holy Spirit for bringing joy into my heart through the power of the Gospel and the blessings of the Sacraments.  Amen.

Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing, A cheerful trust maintain;

For God, the source of ev’rything, Your portion shall remain.

He is your treasure, He your joy, Your life and light and Lord,

Your counselor when doubts annoy, Your shield and great reward.

Why spend the day in blank despair, In restless thought the night?

On your Creator cast your care; He makes your burdens light.

Did not His love and truth and pow’r Guard ev’ry childhood day?

And did He not in threa’ning hour Turn dreadful ills away?

He only will with patience chide, His rod falls gently down;

And all your sins He casts aside In ocean depths to drown

His wisdom never plans in vain Nor falters nor mistakes,

All that His counsels may ordain A blessed ending makes.

Upon your lips, then, lay your hand, And trust His guiding love;

Then like a rock your peace shall stand Here and in heav’n above.

(LSB 737)