John 15:10-11

New International Version

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

For Meditation

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John 15:9-11, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal His treasury of joy to you. Jesus promised His disciples to fill them with His joy to overflow in this scripture. He has set an example for us as He obeyed God and remained in His love. We receive this divine joy when we also obey the command of Jesus and remain in His love. What treasure He has bequeathed to us!

I once read the story of a man who fought through diverse troubles and adversity to bring home to his dying father, his estranged son, to satisfy his dying wish. Nothing was too dangerous or too painful to stop this determined man from doing that. And when he returned with his brother to their old man, joy filled his heart when they embraced. Asked why he did it, his response was simple and radiant.

“The moment I saw the expectation in the eyes of my dad when he asked me to bring my brother to him, my heart lighted with a sense of joy I have never known before. I could imagine his glowing face as he hugged his estranged son, and that signed the deal for me. I vowed to do everything to delight his heart before his final breath. It became my light, strength, and courage until I accomplished the task. “

Was that not the motivation of Jesus through His earthly ministry, despite His suffering? 

The Hebrews writer encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) Emphasis added.

The complete obedience of the saint delights our God more than everything and keeps us in His love—Christ Jesus our Lord. He gives us this divine joy through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  

We live in troubled times today. Many are the stealers of joy that daily confront the believer. In response, we have manicured our Church services to create the joy that only the Holy Spirit gives. However, the heat from the noonday sun melts the smiles on our faces when the first challenge confronts us right after service. Maybe we must learn to emulate the example of Jesus’ obedience through suffering to death, even on the cross (Philippians 2:5-9). He kept the joy of accomplishing the mission of the Father before Him and endured all the pain and humiliation right to the cross (Hebrews 12:2). 

The obedient child of God is like Christ. They are bold, determined, unwavering, undeterred, and filled with joy from the Holy Spirit. The honor of God the Father is their motivation (1 Corinthians 10:31). His assured love motivates them to press on through every adversity to receive His blessings here and on the other side of eternity. 

Rejoice therefore, my friend, and let His pleasure motivate you to press on with the hopeful expectation of His welcome and crowning (2 Timothy 4:7-8). If everything has failed to give you joy, try obedience to God and His word and experience satisfaction beyond this world.