Great Joy
James, the half-brother of Jesus, couldn’t believe that his flesh-and-blood sibling was the actual Son of God—until He rose from the dead. Then, he was convinced. It was that same James who wrote:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
According to the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus, James was eventually martyred for his confident faith in Jesus—his brother and his Lord.
Here are five things to note from James’ mini-sermon:
First, the text says “when troubles of any kind come your way…” It’s not if troubles come our way, but when. We live in a broken world that has not yet been fully restored, so we shouldn’t be surprised when issues and challenges arise.
Second, the text says “when troubles of any kind come your way…” Not merely justified trouble or undeserved trouble, but any kind of trouble. And even when troubles find you, it’s an opportunity for joy.
Third, the text connects hardships with the testing of our faith. This doesn’t mean that God causes every challenge in our life, but He can certainly use them to reveal what’s inside. It’s in the refining that we’re made to look like Him.
Fourth, the text says, especially during difficult seasons or situations, to “consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy is accessible no matter what.
Fifth, the text implies that troubles, trials, or difficulties all create space for endurance to grow. Think of a flower: In order for a flower to grow, it has to go through something—that something being dirt.
So when you’re faced with hard things and can’t understand why, consider it an opportunity for great joy. That’s when you know that you’re growing and becoming more like Him.
His Pain, Our Gain
Isaiah 53 is a stunning chapter in the Bible—in what is now commonly referred to as the “Old Testament.”
Approximately 700 years before Jesus walked the earth, Isaiah prophesied about a suffering servant who would also, somehow and in some way, be exalted. A coming Savior, a future Redeemer, the long-awaited Messiah—whose death would ultimately bring life.
A portion of Isaiah 53 says this:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
So, who was this man who would be pierced, crushed, and wounded because of someone else’s sins? Whose undeserved punishment would be the catalyst for healing? Whose life would be given as an offering—so that others might live?
Jesus Christ not only fits the description of the suffering servant who paid the ultimate price to buy His people back, redeem them, and set them free—He ...
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