Matthew 2:1-12
Key Verse: “When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11 CSB)
In Matthew 2, the wise men had followed the star that had appeared in the sky until it stopped above the place where the child Jesus was in Bethlehem. When they realized that they had found what they had been searching for, “there were overwhelmed with joy” (v.10). In another translation, it says, “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” That’s a whole lot of joy! Then, “entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees they worshiped him” (v.11). The wise men had the joy of seeing Jesus for themselves.
When it comes to the pursuit of joy in our own lives, we can know in our minds the truth that our sins have been forgiven. We can understand the biblical call to rejoice at all times even in difficult circumstances. We can believe the joyous promise that the day is coming when Jesus Christ will return. But we still lack joy. Why is that?
On my way home from work every day, I drive west. So on occasion, I get the opportunity to see the sun setting right in front of me. Even in the city suburbs, there are some pretty spectacular sunsets to enjoy. The problem though is that because I’m driving, I can’t take the time to look up long enough to fully appreciate what it is that is before me. I know it’s there right in front of me. I can catch a few glimpses of it. But I can’t stare long enough at it to truly grasp its beauty.
Similarly, the reason why we may be lacking joy is that we have not stared long enough at the awesome realities to fully appreciate what it is that is before us in Christ Jesus. When we take the time though to gaze long enough at the beauty of who Jesus is and all that He has done for us as Saviour, Messiah, and Lord, joy will be sure to follow.
In Psalm 34:8, David tells us to “taste and see that the Lord is good”. In Psalm 17:15, David writes, “But I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake I will be satisfied with your presence.” The opportunity to experience true joy is right before us. It’s not found in the things of this world. It’s found by looking up long enough to see Jesus for who He truly is.
Are you struggling to experience joy this season? Take some extra time today to sit quietly and stare at all that Christ has done for you. Set your minds on the things above. Ponder again the awesome reality of your salvation in Him and the future hope that you have because of it. Meditate on God’s awesome promises that are yours in Christ Jesus. Allow God’s Spirit to overwhelm you with fresh joy today.
Prayer: Jesus, I confess how easily I can be distracted. Help me to stare long enough at who you are and all that you have done that completely overwhelms my heart with joy. I want to taste and see your goodness again today, that I would be fully satisfied in you. Amen.
