Advent Devotional – December 16th, 2024
Today is Monday December 16 and the Advent word for the Week is Joy.
A couple of scriptures on this word Joy are Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Did you hear that word Joy? Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross. Dying on the cross doesn’t sound like much Joy…Stay with me
Another verse is John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Do you hear it? We are God’s joy! You and me, we bring joy to God. It’s hard to imagine that God could find joy in us. Right?
I’d like to use a basketball illustration if I could. Can I? Okay good.
Google “Flue Game” and this is what you’ll find.
On June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan played in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz despite being severely ill with food poisoning, not the flu. Jordan’s symptoms included dehydration, exhaustion, and vomiting. Despite his condition, he scored 38 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 90-88 victory.
The “Flu Game” has become an iconic moment in NBA history, symbolizing Jordan’s unwavering dedication to winning and his ability to overcome adversity. It remains one of the most memorable performances in NBA Finals history and continues to inspire awe and admiration from fans and players alike. Later it was discovered that it wasn’t the Flue, it was food poisoning.
Whenever you see a Michael Jordan interviewed about this game he really lights up. This game brought him great joy. Not because they won the game and the Championship that year, but it was special because of the victory through adversity.
Are we like food poisoning to Jesus? He asks us to obey and we just do our own thing. We rebel and rebel, and yet still, Jesus went to the cross because of his love for us. We somehow bring him joy. And then the Apostles and many Christians over the years have given their lives for their faith in their Savior Jesus. And today, we are able to openly worship and profess our faith in Jesus without us having to worry about someone putting us to death. God finds joy in these people, as they have found joy in God.
The question is, is your joy complete? Are you sharing the Gospel and living an obedient life despite the obstacles that get in your way? Crazy to think isn’t? God finds joy in me and in you. And that’s where the joy is.