Joy #42: Is There a Bridge?

So we have seen that our world is full of sorrow, yet we can rejoice in some measure now, because we know our future hope. Yet there is perhaps a danger if we do not connect these thoughts with the ultimate object of our joy. These reveal the One who bridges the gap between the ‘partial joy’ of now and the permanent joy awaiting us later; Even more, He shows us how it’s done! Dig a little bit here with me.

In Psalm 132, we read about both Old Testament rejoicing over God’s temporary dwelling place via the ark of the covenant (I’ll call this partial joy), and God’s permanent dwelling place in Zion (permanent joy). In the middle of this Psalm, bridging the two ends, we read:

“The LORD has sworn to David A truth from which He will not turn back:" Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne. 12 "If your sons will keep My covenant And My testimony which I will teach them, Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever…17 "There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed."

Did you catch it? In the middle of the temporary joy of NOW and the permanent joy of LATER is a PERSON. He is the Anointed King who sits on His throne forever.

Here’s one more. Read this familiar verse with fresh eyes.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Do the sorrows of this world have you weary? Losing heart? Jesus is not just the goal of our joy. He also is the means, showing us how to thrive in the affliction of ‘today’ with a view to ultimate joy ‘tomorrow’!