Rejoice Again In Jesus

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4 ESV) Some things need repeating. Not because they are hard to grasp, but because we easily forget their importance. Here at International Lutheran Church, we have been reading Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. His words of joy in the midst of hardship are an encouragement to each of us as we consider all that God has done in Christ to make us His own and to move us to find our joy in Him alone.

Change is definitely in the air. Have you noticed the changing color in the leaves or the cooler temperatures? It does seem that fall has finally come. Yes, when the leaves begin to change and fall, we are reminded again of the seasons and that winter will soon be upon us. These seasonal changes are a good reminder to us of the things to come. But even as these changes point to what is ahead, sometimes they make us think that nothing will ever change.

This is also why Paul’s command at the close of his letter to the church of Philippi is so important to us. He simply says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” Paul’s call to rejoice is not some “Pollyanna-ish” phrase of the power of positive thinking. No, Paul’s call to rejoice in the Lord is based on what God has already accomplished for us in our Savior Jesus. We are to rejoice in Him! His love and grace, His satisfactory death and resurrection are the things that are to occupy our thoughts. Whatever prayers or petitions we have we can take it to the Lord, because we know He hears us for Jesus’ sake. The examples of faithfulness and gentleness are the very things we are to put into practice. The mercy and forgiveness shown to us are the patterns of our lives.

Even when it seems that everything in life is crashing down, and it is hard to remember why we were filled with joy, we remember what he has done for us. Why? Because this is the very promise that we need in order to lift our eyes off the death and destruction that is everywhere. Jesus has risen from the dead. God has swallowed up death. He now invites us all - every nation - to come to His Heavenly Banquet Hall to eat with Him the finest of foods and the richest of wines. At our Lord’s Table, Jesus forgives our sins and removes the reproach of all people. He feeds us His very Body and Blood as a living testimony and promise of His return. This is why Paul can rejoice even while at the side of the very imperial guard that threatens to take his life. Yes, the resurrection of Jesus gives new birth to joy we have in Him again and again, so that we will be filled with His peace and eager to share His invitation to all.

Pastor Carl