The Joy of Glory

Luke 24:50-53
And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Reflection
Leading up to the cross, Jesus told his disciples multiple times in multiple ways that he would soon be departing. At the time, the could not fully understand what was happening and why… so their hearts filled with sorrow.

But post cross…

Now they could see his victory! Now they knew why he did what he did… and their hearts were filled with joy! Even when the time came for Christ to ascend, to leave again… no longer did sorrow fill their hearts! No!

As Christ ascended, so did their joy!

They were watching him take his victorious seat at the Father’s right hand, never to be unseated! His total victory was and is secure… which means so is our joy!

No one can bring down our joy because no one can bring down Christ!

Of course, this doesn’t mean we don’t face difficulties throughout our lives! Of course, this doesn’t mean we put on a plastic smile and pretend like everything is ok! Of course, this doesn’t mean we never sorrow!

But it does mean that we are a people who are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing! For we know that sorrow never gets the final word! Our eternal joy is secure and cannot be taken or torn down.

Christ has ascended and so has our joy!

 
*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.