THE FELLOWSHIP OF LOVE AND JOY
Consider the boundless love and unconquerable joy of God the Father for His Son, Jesus. Notice how the curtains of heaven were parted as the Father’s voice declared His divine approval at Christ’s baptism. Such love and joy is the eternal state of the Godhead. It was this love that moved God to give His Son for us (John 3:16). It was this joy that moved the Son to “endure the cross” (Heb. 12:2) that He might obtain our salvation.
Now, Christ invites us to enter into the fellowship that He has with the Father, to know the divine love and great joy they share. Listen to how Jesus prayed concerning us: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. …May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:21-23).
Now consider the new reality of those who have believed in Jesus and been adopted into God’s family as His children. They have not only passed from death to life. They have entered into the fellowship of love and joy that is theirs in Christ Jesus.
Put your name in the blank below to understand what Christ has made possible for God the Father to now say to us: “__________, you are my dearly loved child, and you bring me great joy.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are Your children. We have received Your Son, therefore we have been adopted into Your family. Fill us afresh today with Your Spirit that we might experience Your great love and joy. Strengthen us to walk in love and joy today. In Jesus’ name, amen.