During the “second exodus” the exiled Jews returned from Babylon and couldn’t believe what was happening. Could it be? Were they dreaming? No, it was true; the Lord had restored their fortunes as they learned that Jerusalem would again become their dwelling place. Their joy was full, as those waking from an indescribably good dream. As they partake in the grace of God, the surrounding nations saw and beheld the greatness of Israel’s God. Upon arriving at Jerusalem, though, the broken land drove them to a longing for full redemption that continued to elude them. Saints today have been freed from the captivity of sin and have obtained redemption through the blood of Christ. This freedom and joy reveals a Gospel to the nations that is otherworldly. Despite our world remaining marred by sin, saints relish in the reality that our Journey to Joy will conclude with shouts of joy as we will one day stand face-to-face with our redeemer, Jesus.

Those who trust in the LORD aren’t like the restless seas, uncertain winds, or even like the ever-shifting sands, but are like a mountain: strong, stable, and secure. As God ransoms sinners, he gives them a good, fleshly heart, and this great work secures their eternal protection and promise. Wickedness will befall the redeemed, but the unwavering hope of Christ’s commitment to them remains, causing saints of old and of today to lift their eyes and voices as they rest in the peace of God.

Jesus' earthly ministry concludes in the same region it began: Galilee. Being born of a virgin, the God-man walked a life of sinless obedience to the Father, and upon resurrecting from the dead, was preparing to return to the heavenly throne room. Before departing, he left his disciples with hope and purpose. In this final and great commission, the power and presence of God is highlighted as the church is sent to help all peoples, from neighbors to the nations, find and follow Jesus.

We are called to follow Christ, and we are also called to grow in Christ. Our spiritual maturity should be progressive, and it should be evident. Ephesians 4:11-16 gives us a number of aspects of what true spiritual maturity looks like.

Whenever you meet God face to face, whenever you get a grip on who God really is, it changes you into a person in mission. Anyone who meets God as he really is … it sends them out; it pushes them out. The word mission is from the Latin word mission, which means to be sent. When you see God as he really is, it destroys your consumer mentality. It destroys your, “What’s in this thing for me?” mentality. Immediately it turns you into a man or a woman in mission. It sends you out.

When God’s Word is preached, you can’t help but see it go to work. In this passage, we see a pastor’s heart joyfully stirred as he sees evidence that God has opened his people’s hearts to receive and apply the Word, which has fueled a beautiful display of His glory in their lives.

The Apostle Paul broke into a song of praise in this doxology. The doxology is rooted in the theology of who God is. These truths about God strengthen, encourage, and lead us to greater faith and trust in Him.

Have you ever considered what life without God would be like? It's a terrifyingly hopeless picture, and it's the scene of Psalm 124. Thankfully, our road doesn't have to end in despair. Sin's snare is a strong one, but it has no match for the strength of our preserving Creator who, through the work of Jesus, shattered the snare in pieces as he set its captives free. Praise be to God for setting the stage for The Great Escape!

The LORD is my shepherd. These words have been repeated, sung and memorized for generations. This is no ordinary paradox, but the ultimate one. The timeless, self-sufficient God Looks Low and upon seeing the brokenness of man, through the blood of his Son, makes way for sinners to know him as their Shepherd. This is the hope of Easter and life forever more!

The human experience is fraught with unexpected high's and low's. Saints of all time and space know the ever-changing scene found on this God-ordained Journey to Joy. At times, as we resolve to pursue holiness in a progressive culture, we are faced with scorn and contempt that hits us like a truck, leaving us paralyzed and inaudible. The Psalmist, too, knows the pain of such an impact and demonstrates the Biblical response to such affliction. Mercy is the object of this terror-stricken plea. God hears this plea and doesn't just provide mercy, but sends the Merciful One, Jesus.