Joy of the Word
1 John 5:3
Hotep was the name of my friend’s dog. Hotep had a very intimidating appearance. He was dark as the midnight sky, stood at about 6’4” on his hind legs, and his paralyzing bark would even draw caution in how we entered the house in the late hours. As chilling as Hotep was, he was very obedient to the voice of his master. He listened intently for his master’s voice and obeyed it with such joy. This was evident because his tail would wag side to side before and after a directive was given. John says those who love God will be like Hotep. He said they would obey what God has commanded and it would not be a burden but a delight.
I remember before submitting to Jesus I would think following Him was for old folks. I had thoughts like “I’m not ready to submit to Jesus, I still want to have fun.” Working with teens I often hear the question, “what do you do for fun as a Christian?” It’s not a surprising question to ponder, after all what the world does for fun is quite different than a believer in Christ. Or at least it’s enjoyed in a different way. It was surprising for me when I began to experience the delight that comes with being in fellowship with God. It is far greater than anything I could have done in the world. It would sound silly to a person in the world but knowing God is pleased with how I live my life is surprisingly fun. When I am free in Him I can experience the greatness of all His creation free of shame. I am eternally secure and know He accepts me. I say this assuredly, nothing is more delightful than that. He knows pleasure. He created it, and He wants me to experience it beyond measure. He gave me commands to follow to keep me from participating in such behavior; the behavior that would keep me from the most delightful pleasure around, Himself.
God, you are joy. You are life, and you are the essence of fun. We can be easily fooled to believe it is fun to indulge in sin but it isn’t genuine fun unless it is in your will. I thank you for being the source of my pleasure and keeping me even when I desired be other places. Lord, help those who can’t see the richness of your will. Open their eyes that they may understand the deep pleasure you wish to delight their souls with. Help those who don’t really understand pleasure to admit they aren’t really having fun doing what the world craves. May we all enter into fellowship with you. Amen!
Created about 2 years ago
