For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh’. – Philippians 3:3 NKJV
Imagine someone surprises you and gives you something you have been hoping to buy for yourself, your response would most likely be excitement mixed with gratitude. If receiving mundane gifts evokes such joy, how much more the priceless gift of endless life in Christ? As a beneficiary of this life, what should your response be?
Today’s anchor text is a reminder that circumcision, obedience to the law and all of man’s attempts to earn a right standing with God; would never be enough. Salvation is the work of Christ alone (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:4-10). As a believer, your worship, rejoicing and confidence should be in the redemptive work of Christ. The death, burial, resurrection and glorification of Jesus provided you something to shout about- eternal life. The way to respond to this great gift is to rejoice and never stop rejoicing in the provisions of Christ (1 Peter 1:8).
In Acts 8:6-8; the people of Samaria believed the Gospel with accompanying signs and wonders and there was great joy in that city. Similarly, in Act 16:32-34; after the jailer heard the Gospel with his family, they rejoiced. Joy is a major currency in our kingdom and the key to staying joyful is feeding your heart consistently Word of God (Psalm 119:162; Jeremiah 15:16). When God’s Word becomes your daily delight, joy becomes your daily reality. The heart that is full of God’s word, would always be full of joy.
Joy cannot be hidden. When something good happens to you, you would likely share it with your close friends and family. It’s the same with the joy of salvation- you cannot keep it to yourself. In John 4:28-29; the woman at the well, literally left her waterpot and ran back into the city to tell the people about Jesus. The joy you have in Christ is so contagious and it should compel you to tell others about what He has done.
Dear believer, the life of Christ in you is priceless. Each passing day is an opportunity to feed your mind with God’s word and celebrate this endless life. Let your life be full of joy and let this joy cause you to talk to others about Jesus.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 19-20; 1 Peter 1:1-21