Category: Devotion of the Day

GREEKS TO SEE JESUS

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
John 12:24

This was a momentous occasion. Some Greeks wanted to see Jesus. Philip and Adnrew reported it to the Master. There is no record that He received these Greeks. Maybe they came out of curiosity, anxious to hear a great teacher or see Him perform a miracle. Anyway, Jesus made it clear that His was the way of death and a cross, not earthly popularity, and that we must die to live.

Today we are in danger of being misled by some Greeks who would see Jesus. Many would be glad to have the joy and peace that He gives, would copy Him as a teacher and leader. But they do not want the cross. They resent Calvary, nor do they want to deny self, take up their cross, and lose their lives to find them. Jesus receives no Greeks except by the way which was, and is, to them “foolishness.”

HIS JOY

These things have I spoke unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:11

The joy of the Lord is not the natural exuberance of youth. It is not ordinary human enthusiasm. It is not the exhilaration caused by favorable happenings and circumstances. It is not the emotion whipped up by high-pressure hilarity. All these may have their place, but the joy Jesus gives is different. It outlasts youth. It is more than human, it is Divine. It is present, no matter what happens. It is not worked up, it comes down. It comes from a man of Sorrows acquainted with grief. It lasts, it remains. And it is full, not partial.

Because of our shallow living we know little of this joy, so we work hard trying to pump up a substitute. How much of our religious life today runs on the same stimulus that a cheer leader works up before a ball game! But it is a poor substitute, it has a hollow ring and it gives out when we need help most.

Make His joy your joy!