joy of the lord
One of the things that Christians should be known for is for their fruits; their works that is associated to Christ. Though there are many religions and humanitarian organizations that helping those in need, but Christians are asked to bear much fruit; or more fruit. The expectation for the follower of Christ is greater than that for the rest of humanity. God expects more out of his children. Our godly attitude has to surpass everything else in our lives. In 1 Peter and in Leviticus God speaks to his people saying be holy for I am holy (1pt1:16& lev19:2). The type of fruit that is expected from the true believer is at a higher standard than that of others. God tells the prophet Isaiah to lift up a standard for his people (Is62:10), and this standard figuratively identifies us apart from everyone else. Bearing much fruit meets God’s standard which qualifies us to ask anything that we desire from him and we should receive it.
John 15:8-11
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
People know what kind of Christians we are by how much fruit we bear. They can tell who we by how God answers to us when we call. Jesus said that we abide in him and his words abide in us whatever we ask it shall be ours (Jn15:7), but it requires bearing much fruit. So, we can ask ourselves how much does God answer us, when was the last time he answered my prayer request. Agape is that brotherly love that separates us from every other religion, organization or faction, and it is expected to be met as God’s standard. But, to get there Jesus said that we have to abide in his word(v10), loving people; the brothers, enemies, and man kind, is not easy especially in these troubling times. We can get wrapped up in seeking justice that we forget to love.
It pleases God when we love one another and in turn it brings satisfaction to us when we do. That satisfaction is the joy of the Lord, and it becomes our strength (Neh8:10). Ezra the priest stood before the people of God in a moment when conviction pricked their hearts for not treating their fellow man correctly, and encourage them to go and practice agape. The joy of the Lord comes when we practice good things to others. The Psalmist says let us make a joyful noise unto the rock of our salvation (ps95:1), he says that they are blessed because they know the sound of joy (ps89:15). Today we hear a want for joy. There is more stress and friction then that of joy. In order for there to be a fullness of joy we need to abide in Christ (v11).
1 Peter 1:16
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
verse 2
Isaiah 62:10
10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.
verse 3
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
verse 4-6
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
95 O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.