REJOICING IN THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

April 13, 2014

“But I Will See You Again”

As we reflect on the Lord’s death and resurrection this Easter, what impact does it make on you? In the text of John 16:16-24, the Lord was telling His disciples that for a while they will not see Him. But soon, in a little while, they will see Him again. The disciples were confused by what the Lord Jesus was trying to tell them. He was impressing upon them that for a short while, He would be dead. But after that, He would resurrect from the dead and would for a while be with them, teaching them further until His ascension to heaven. The Lord said with absolute confidence, “But I will see you again” (John 16:22). The word “see” in the Greek brings across the idea of the experience of seeing and to be able to look upon with perception. The Lord Jesus assured His disciples that without a doubt, He will see them again. Such was the Lord’s confidence concerning His resurrection. We too can possess such confidence. With it, there would be great joy.

Aspects Of Joy In The Resurrection Of Christ

One wonderful ramification of the resurrection of Christ is the joy that we can have in Him.

1. The Prospect Of Joy

“But your sorrow will be turned into joy.” 
John 16:20

The disciples of the Lord Jesus would weep, lament and be sorrowful because they would witness His gruesome death. The Pharisees and those who hated Jesus would rejoice. And yet the disciples’ sorrow would become joy. The resurrection of Christ turns our sorrow into joy. There is the prospect of having a special sense of joy that only the Lord and His resurrection can give.

2. The Powerful Illustration Of Joy

“For joy that a human being has been born into the world.” 
John 16:21

The Lord Jesus compared the joy that the disciples would feel in the future to that which a woman would feel after giving birth. In her labour pains, there would be great pain and sorrow. But the moment, the child is born, she forgets her pain. There would be great joy at the birth of the baby. Similarly, Christ’s resurrection would bring great joy to the heart that would supersede all sorrows.

3. The Permanence Of Joy In The Lord

“Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” 
John 16:22

Because of the Lord’s resurrection and having faith in a living Saviour, the hearts of the disciples would rejoice. The words “rejoice” and “joy” in the Greek have the same root idea of grace. It is through the grace of God that one can rejoice. This kind of joy that the Lord’s resurrection gives will be permanent. No one can take it away from us. We would have continuing joy in a risen Lord.

4. The Personal Fullness Of Joy

“Ask, and you will receive, that you joy may be full.” 
John 16:24

There would also come fullness of joy when we pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus. After the Lord’s resurrection, He will become our great High Priest. We can have absolute confidence in the Lord’s name as we pray to God. When our prayers are answered by the Lord, our joy would be full. Let’s ask God in prayer that we may receive and experience fullness of joy.

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