3.2 Rejoicing With Gladness
God’s Joy Over Each Individual

Read Zephaniah 3:17. In what way does this verse illuminate the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

Zephaniah 3:17 and the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11–32 wonderfully complement each other in their portrayal of God’s exuberant joy over the return of the lost. In Zephaniah, God is described as a mighty Savior who is among His people, rejoicing over them with gladness and quieting them with His love—a picture of immeasurable affection and care. This deep joy of God over restoration and reconciliation is clearly reflected in the behavior of the father in the parable.

The father runs to meet his lost son, embraces him, and celebrates his return with a grand feast. This reaction demonstrates the same passionate joy described in Zephaniah. Both texts emphasize that God’s joy is active and overwhelming—it does not remain silent but is expressed through visible gestures of love and celebration.

God’s joy is not restrained or conditional but is full of enthusiasm. This teaches us that God is not only willing to forgive but that He delights deeply when we return to Him. Just as the father in the parable does not hesitate but acts with compassion and joy, God rejoices over every person who finds their way back to Him.

This connection encourages us to see God’s love not as distant or indifferent but as alive, passionate, and full of joy. It invites us to experience this divine joy in our own faith life and to share it with enthusiasm.

Read Ephesians 5:25–28. What does this say about the kind of love we are also called to?

Ephesians 5:25–28 describes a profound and selfless form of love to which we as Christians are called. The Apostle Paul particularly urges husbands to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. This love is:

1. Self-Sacrificing

   Christ gave His life for the church to save and sanctify it. This selfless dedication is the highest model for interpersonal love. Likewise, we should be willing to set ourselves aside and act for the well-being of others, whether in marriage, family, or community.

2. Pure and Sanctifying

   Christ cleansed the church to make it holy and blameless. Similarly, we are called to strengthen others through our love, build them up, and help them realize their full potential—free from selfishness or calculation.

3. Nurturing and Caring

   Paul compares love for one’s wife to love for oneself. Just as we care for our own well-being, we should also care for others. This love is nurturing, attentive to the needs of others, and acts responsibly.

4. Unbreakable and Committed

   Christ’s love for the church is unbreakable. This steadfastness should also characterize our actions: faithful, reliable, and enduring—regardless of external circumstances.

Application to Our Lives:

This type of love goes far beyond romantic feelings. It calls us to be selfless, patient, supportive, and forgiving in every relationship. It is an invitation to love others not based on performance or merit but with a love that is giving and serving.

Just as Christ loves His church with a deep, sacrificial love, we are also called to encounter others with this comprehensive, active, and selfless love.

This section admonishes husbands to love their wives “just as Christ loved the church” and to love their wives “as their own bodies” (Eph 5:25,28). These texts not only highlight the kind of selfless and sacrificial love a husband should have for his wife but also show that Christ loves His people (the church) as part of Himself.

This passage from Ephesians 5:25–28 illustrates a profound and challenging dimension of love: husbands are to love their wives not only with care and respect but with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Christ has for the church. Christ gave His life for the church to save and sanctify it. This love was unconditional, patient, and entirely focused on the well-being of the church.

By emphasizing that husbands should love their wives “as their own bodies,” Paul underscores the close bond between husband and wife. Just as Christ views the church as part of Himself, husbands should see their wives as an inseparable part of themselves. This means that care, protection, respect, and dedication are not optional but fundamental.

However, this call goes beyond marriage: it reveals a universal principle of love in Christian relationships. Christ loves His church—every believer—not distantly but as part of Himself. This intimate, inseparable connection shows how deep and personal God’s love is.

For our daily lives, this means that we should live a love in all our relationships that is not self-serving but oriented toward the well-being of others. A love that is ready to serve, forgive, and support because we are all connected in Christ.

The connection of these biblical texts with our everyday life and faith shows how deeply God’s joy and love should shape our own actions.

1. God’s Joy as a Model for Our Attitude

   Zephaniah 3:17 and the Parable of the Prodigal Son reveal God’s overwhelming joy over repentance and reconciliation. This divine joy should also influence our behavior. In daily life, this means not only forgiving but actively rejoicing over positive changes in others—without prejudice, envy, or reservation. In family, friendships, or community, we can learn to forgive mistakes and celebrate reconciliation with genuine joy.

2. Living Selfless Love in Relationships

   Ephesians 5:25–28 calls us to live a selfless, sacrificial love. This love is not limited to romantic relationships but concerns all interpersonal connections. In our daily lives, this means being willing to take responsibility for others, support them, and prioritize their needs over our own—whether in marriage, friendships, or toward those in need.

3. Promoting Unity and Belonging

   Just as Christ loves the church as part of Himself, we should live a deep sense of connectedness in our relationships. This means fostering unity in communities, actively resolving conflicts, and not excluding anyone. Especially in times of tension or misunderstanding, we are called to build bridges rather than walls.

4. Showing Enthusiasm in Faith Life

   God’s enthusiasm over each returning person challenges us to live our faith with joy and enthusiasm. This can mean actively participating in church life, sharing God’s love with others, or joyfully engaging in social projects. A vibrant, enthusiastic faith is contagious and brings hope to an often resigned world.

5. Understanding Love as Active Action

   In the biblical understanding, love is not just a feeling but always an action. God’s love is shown in deeds—through forgiveness, acceptance, and care. Likewise, we are called to demonstrate our love through concrete actions: by helping, encouraging, and showing compassion to those on the margins.

Conclusion:

God’s joy and love are not abstract concepts but practical models for our daily lives. They challenge us to forgive with enthusiasm, love with dedication, and act authentically, mercifully, and supportively in our relationships. When we integrate this attitude into our daily lives, we reflect God’s love and become a living testimony of His Gospel.

Live today in the assurance that God’s joy over you is greater than you can ever imagine.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-to-be-pleasing-to-god-3-2-rejoicing-with-gladness-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 13, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 5

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

In Galatians Chapter 5, Paul calls believers to stand firm in the freedom they have received through Christ. He warns them not to submit again to the yoke of the law, particularly through external religious practices like circumcision. Paul emphasizes that true faith works through love and that neither observing the law nor external rituals can lead to righteousness. Instead, believers are to walk in the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit, which characterize life in Christ.

Commentary:

Call to Freedom (Verses 1–15):
Paul urgently urges the Galatians to live in the freedom granted by Christ. However, freedom in Christ does not mean indulging in sinful desires but serving one another in love. He strongly criticizes circumcision as a means of justification before God. Those who rely on the law must keep all of it and separate themselves from Christ’s grace. Paul reminds them that only faith working through love matters. He also warns against divisions and conflicts within the community, which arise from selfishness and pride.

Life in the Spirit (Verses 16–26):
Paul explains that living in the Spirit overcomes the sinful desires of the flesh. He highlights the opposition between flesh and Spirit—the flesh produces sinful actions like envy, anger, impurity, and division, while the Spirit produces divine qualities such as love, joy, peace, and patience. Those who belong to Christ crucify their sinful nature and live by the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages believers not to seek empty glory but to act in humility and love.

Summary:

In Galatians 5, Paul emphasizes the importance of freedom in Christ and warns against returning to legalism. He underlines that true righteousness is not achieved by observing laws or rituals but through faith that works through love. Paul calls believers to live by the Spirit to overcome sinful desires. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and other virtues—should define the Christian life. The chapter ends with a warning not to be conceited or quarrelsome but to live in love and humility with one another.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.

Commentary:

Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.

The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.

Summary:

Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-01-2025-galatians-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/