Devotional Messages

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

I John 1:3-4 – We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.  We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (NRSV)

Can you remember the last time you were really excited about something?  What was the next thing you wanted to do?  I find that when something ignites my passion or gratitude, my immediate response is to want to tell someone about it.  When something is wonderful, our hearts want to share it.  Joy is more joyful when it’s shared.  Perhaps this is what the writer of First John is talking about when they wish that “our joy may be complete.”

Last week, we heard a story that claimed the women at the tomb were too frightened by not finding Jesus there that they didn’t tell anyone about it.  But we know that’s not what happened, because we’re here now because they did tell their story.  This week, we will hear more about what happens when this story gets shared.

We will discover that we can’t really be the Body of Christ unless we do it together.  Life in Christ is meant to be shared.  The fellowship that binds us together is truly the fellowship of the Spirit of the Risen Christ, the One who brings light out of darkness, hope out of despair, and life out of death.  When we share it, our joy does grow!

What a thing to be a part of!  I hope that the joy of the resurrection is exciting to you.  If it isn’t, come to church this Sunday, and maybe your joy can be revived.  It’s easy for us to let our faith become routine, because we’re busy or tired or distracted trying to hold things together.  But if we take the time to pause and worship, together, the newness of the New Life can regain its shine.  Joy is contagious.  Come make our joy complete this Sunday!