Can you find joy on the cross? I was having a great conversation with my buddy Bob at Bible study. We were chatting about how the world demands proof before they believe, yet the miracles are all around us. Here is the thing, both Bob and I have numerous acquaintances who do not believe or have a relationship with Jesus, and they tend to ask for proof of existence. Now, I have no problem with answering questions or even debating the issue. So many in our society are dismissive of a faith walk because they don’t have proof, they have proof but refuse to consider it as plausible, or they don’t want to listen because the proof that was presented did not match their needs or preferred understanding.
“If it does not look like the duck I have in mind, then even though it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it is not a duck”.
It does take more effort and understanding to recognize not only the divinity of Jesus but also the existence of God because it requires one to be open to all sides of a discussion, willing to be objective and interested in a dialogue designed to enhance a fuller understanding. Consider this question, who was filled with joy on the cross?
Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him...
And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ...
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:32, 35-36, 39-43 ESV
Those who were mocking the King were demanding proof on their terms. “Prove to us by dancing for us monkey and we will worship you! Save yourself and us and we will buy into your message!” The thief who defended Jesus was under the same sentence as the first thief and yet he got it. He may not have been happy that he was about to die but his joy came when the Messiah declared that he would be with Him in paradise this day. I have a very tough time understanding how anyone who is faced with death can hold so tightly to nothing, a hard stop as the breath of life leaves them. There is no hope, no joy in that understanding. The first thief wanted answers but asked the wrong questions and most likely faced that dark abyss as the light faded but the second thief was blessed with the promise of eternal life and his final moments would have been filled with hope and a deep joy.
We come into a season of love and joy where many will share a smile and open their hearts to the true meaning of the season. This is the time where we embrace the celebration of the birth of a Savior, the birth of a new hope. Sunday, we begin the season of Advent with a message from Eryn, our minister of community, and celebrate the start of the season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
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