Did Jesus ever have fun?

 

                                                                               JESUS: bringer of joy

                                                                            Was Jesus happy?  What did he say about joy?

                                                                                    Wedding feast at Cana by Carosfeld, 1819. 

 

 The tables were laden with food, as the community celebrated the young Jewish couple’s wedding. They sang, joined hands to dance, and drank wine as the fun continued all week. Three days earlier, the community had blessed the young Jewish couple under the chuppah, the tent symbolizing their new home and status in the community. Jesus, his mother Mary, and his disciples had been invited, and they were enjoying the celebration. Yet, a problem arose when the master ran out of wine. Mary mentioned it to Jesus and told the servants to do whatever he suggested. He told them to fill the water jugs with fresh water. When the master tasted the new wine, it was delicious.

 This was the first miracle Jesus performed in his public ministry. He had not only created water from wine, but he restored the honor and dignity to the master of ceremonies. The miracle revealed his power, and his blessing of the newly-weds.

 Poker-faced Pharisees called Jesus a glutton because he ate with tax collectors and sinners, society’s outcasts, but the ‘sinners’ wouldn’t have invited a killjoy to their celebrations. Jesus was there sharing their culinary delights while he brought a message of joy and deep-seated contentment that could last beyond the party.

 Jesus lived joyfully. He revelled in the quiet refreshment he shared with his Father. His joy stemmed from this relationship, and we also find lasting joy in a close relationship with Jesus.

God created us with the need for happiness, but sickness, disappointment, greed, worthlessness, and soul-destroying habits rob us of joy. We need a perpetual fountain that satisfies the emptiness in our hearts.

If you were a prince, but circumstances led you to leave the palace, would you be joyful? Jesus came from heaven, putting aside his glory and personal desires, yet he lived with joy. Wherever he went, his inner joy from the Father sustained him. His mission hasn’t changed. His purpose is to share his joy, and when we find him, he rejoices with us.

Parties and celebrations are fun while they last, and the memories lift our spirits, but memories fade and fresh crises overwhelm us. How do we restore joy when a loved one dies, or failure crushes us? Although sorrow will  invade our lives, joy will return when we rely on Jesus. He told three parables about a lost sheep and a lost coin. The owners rejoiced when they found their lost property, and a loving father feasted when his lost son came home. Heaven rejoices when Jesus finds us.

 Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, endured extreme pain on the cross and abandonment by focussing on the joy we would share with him in heaven. He suffered God’s wrath for lost sinners to remove their sins forever. Hebrews 12:2.

We live with the consequences of grief, but if we focus on Jesus, he carries us in his arms, reminding us he’s with us and for us. When we fail, he forgives us, and if we’re weak, he strengthens us. He’s the friend who stays closer than a brother, always ready to help, advise, or set us on the right path again.

 The Apostle Paul penned a letter to the Philippian church in which he encouraged them to rejoice always. They were suffering persecution and poverty whilst he was confined to prison. Was he facetious? Not at all, because they knew the immediate situation was tough but temporary. If death came, heaven with Jesus would be glorious.

If we live with the hope of heaven, we will survive grief. Each day as I read the Bible, I see God at work in the ancient world. He weaves through history, moving nations, providing for his beloved ones, grieving over their failures, but seeking opportunities to be merciful. He keeps each promise, fulfills each prophecy, and sends his Son at the appointed moment. That fills me with trust and joy because he whispers his faithfulness to my soul. Trials become tests of my gratitude and my commitment to Jesus, while he never allows more than I can endure. He shares the load, and as I sense his boundless love, a wellspring of joy rises within me. I sing through my pain, knowing nothing separates me from him.

When fear overtakes, pray, giving thanks for his sacrifice, and praise him for his mighty power. He will renew your joy. Quote the Bible when Satan tempts you, and you will rejoice in victory over sin. And keep singing and praying if temptation rears its ugly head again!

 This principle shines through all of God’s dealings with us. David, the Psalmist, knew it and lived by it. Here are his thoughts:

 Sing praises to the Lord… and give thanks to his holy Name, for his anger is for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5.

So, as you awake tomorrow, will you sing to Jesus as he sings to you through these wonderful psalms? And here is one verse more for you to look up and memorize! 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11. 

 

 Let’s rejoice in the Lord always and again ‘rejoice!’ Because Jesus changes our perspective on everything.