Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Is it joy, or joy?

Episode Summary

When the disciples returned from their mission, they were full of joy. Jesus told them it needed to be redirected, and a little later he was full of joy! What was the difference? Is it joy or is it joy?

Episode Notes

Repetition of main points

1. Disciples returned with joy at Demons going out
2. Jesus corrects them, I saw something even greater, but it’s not about that, it’s about the Kingdom and your place in it!

Jesus Rejoices

1. After the Woes in the sending part, now come great blessing
2. His joy is “in the Holy Spirit”.
3. His Joy is in His Father, God’s purposes being made known, and the relationships being restored, ie. In the results of God at work in others, not his own accomplishments

True Joy!

1. Hidden – Revealed to Babes
2. Rejoicing in the Father’s good pleasure!
3. Who does the Son choose to reveal himself to?  The repentant, the broken, the nobodies.  Those who choose to cast all their burdens onto Jesus!  That way they experience the pleasure of God (grace, forgiveness, acceptance) and all through no effort on their part. As opposed to the wise and learned who think they know best through their efforts

The position of the 70 in the following revelation:

1. They are honored above what they deserved – just told off and get the best prize?
2. Both seeing and hearing.

Application for today:  Compare them to us

1. We see and hear by faith as well – just as they did back then, even with Jesus visible!
2. We need to make the same decision to follow Jesus forsaking all else
3. We get the same revelation when we trust him, both in prayer and in the reading of his Word
4. Repentance says we cannot do it on our own or our efforts. Cannot legislate morality, it only clarifies sin. Repentance is the answer for us all!