DAY 3: THE JOYFUL SAVIOUR

Shortly after the joyful event of creating the earth, sin entered the lives of mankind. But it did not change God's joyful nature. He already had a plan for our salvation. And it gave Him great joy that He wished to share with us.

The angels' announcement of Jesus' birth proclaimed the joyful message that salvation has arrived at last. "'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'" (Luke 2:11, NLT). Knowing how the rest of the story played out, it might seem that the joy was for the lost, not the Saviour. But that is not accurate.

On many occasions in the Bible, God tells us about the great joy in heaven when someone is saved from sin. In fact, the whole chapter of Luke 15 is dedicated to how heaven celebrates salvation. "'In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents'" (Luke 15:10, NLT). It was no different on Good Friday when Jesus paid the price once and for all.

Whenever I watch a movie about Jesus' death on the cross, it always reminds me of the suffering He endured and leaves me with a sense of horror and sadness. But the Bible teaches us something different. Jesus had the heavenly joy of salvation in his heart while he endured the worst possible abuse. "Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne" (Hebrews 12:2, NLT).

How much joy do you experience when you think about salvation through Jesus Christ?

Do you think you can increase your joy by bringing others to salvation?

Let us find joy in the truth of our salvation and that of others around us!

Scripture reading:

Luke 2:8-20

Luke 15:8-10

Hebrews 12:2