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Rituals of Joy - Reputation Today

The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving them an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external circumstances.

The Greek word is χαρά chara, (khar-ah) meaning  calm delight:— gladness,  greatly, to be exceeding joyful.

It is easy to forget about joy. It is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. Most translators agree the better translation is “Happy” or “More than Happy”. For the joy that was set before Jesus, he endured the crucifixion. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

In Acts we learn that

“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52 (NASB)

Note that it was not a sometime kind of thing. It was continual. They were always joyful and happy. It is just who they were, like Jesus. This is where I get to say one of my favorite things. God is in a good mood!

We are a people of hope and joy!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NASB)

Let’s dig into the scripture.

The Holy Spirit gives joy to Jesus the Messiah. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus died for us but approached in great joy. Jesus knew how the story would end.

  • Luke 10:21 (NASB) — At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.”
  • Hebrews 1:9 (NASB) — “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”

The Holy Spirit gives joy to those anticipating Jesus the Messiah’s birth. Imagine being there and awaiting with such anticipation for the arrival of the Messiah. Elizabeth and Zacharias, both filled with the Holy Spirit, were overcome with joy.

  • Luke 1:41–45 (NASB) — When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?  “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
  • Luke 1:67–68 (NASB) — And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.”

 

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