The Scriptures often refer to those who believe in Jesus as “saints”. That word means that we who have come to know the joy of the Lord have been set apart by God to know more of it and to share it with the world. More joy to know, more joy to flow to others. Our reading from Joy to Your World! is from page 18:

“The Christian’s hope is the hope of glory (Rom. 5.1, 2), and the joy that floods and fills us there. While the experience of this glory may be mysterious beyond reason, the way this hope of glory is expressed – in the Kingdom character of righteousness, the Kingdom condition of peace, and the Kingdom consequence of joy, even in the midst of trials and setbacks (Rom. 14.17, 18; Jms. 1.2-4) – can cause even the most hardened doubter to wonder. 

“Such hopeful and joy-filled living sets the believer apart, from the way of things in the world apart from Christ, and can be expected to provoke inquiries concerning what it is that makes us different. When these come, as they undoubtedly will, we must be ready with an explanation, a reason, even a defense of our Kingdom lifestyle and convictions. We are the joy-bringers, and it falls to us to answer the inquiries of those who ask us a reason for such hope, so that, if it please God, His blessings may flow to them, even as they flow to us.”

For reflection or discussion
1. How would you explain your having been “set apart” to a non-Christian friend?

2. Whom will you encourage today in the hope we have of knowing the glory of God?

All who have been set apart for the joy of the Lord must not look back to old ways, to cling to them, as if anything of real lasting joy can be ours apart from Jesus. He only is our joy, and He has set us apart unto Himself that we may rejoice in Him always. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss the joy of the Lord and how you can know more of it. Order your copy of Joy to Your World! from The Ailbe Bookstore. 

T. M. Moore

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