Proper Joy (Rev. Deacon Chris)

Read Luke 10: 1-20

We can learn a lot from the travelling journeys of the Lord Jesus. For as followers of Jesus, our walk with the Lord from beginning to end is a journey that involves much travel. This travel includes going places (both new and familiar), growing in places in our lives, and often leaving our comfort zones (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).

And this journey is meant to be filled with joy. As we travel the journey to the cross, we should be growing in our knowledge and intimacy with the Triune God which will lead to greater joy. After all, Jesus is where the joy is!

The gospel account in Luke chapter 10, is a great story that helps us relate with the early followers of Jesus. This account can easily be applied to our journey with the Lord and help us in our current discernment as a church.

Our gospel reading today provides some very helpful direction and guidance, to help us discern where God is calling us to go. This would include (but not limited to):

1. “Peace to this house” (Verses 5-7)
   • When we are welcomed somewhere, it is proper to stay for awhile.
   • The Lord has commanded us to be his voice and we should remain in places where there are receptive homes/hearts to his peace.
   • Our recent trips to the Manitoba Youth Center have brought much joy to everyone involved. This ministry serves as a good example of remaining for a time where God’s peace is welcomed.
2. Shaking the dust off our feet (Verses 10-11)
   • Acts 13: 44-52 provides a great example of this teaching in action.
     • Paul/Barnabas continued joyfully in the Spirit despite the rejection.
   • At times it is beneficial for things to come to an end, or to change.
   • There is a time/season for many projects, groups, and ministries.
   • Our small groups may have to adapt in some ways due to our growing need in the shallows.
3. Going out in pairs (Verses 1-2)
   • It is good to work together with fellow Kingdom workers.
   • It is glorifying to Christ to use our gifts/talents together.
   • It is important not to hide our gifts from the body.
   • Often, we can try to hold on too tightly to “our” Kingdom work.
   • St Aidan’s Christian School is a wonderful example of Kingdom unity.
4. Focusing on proper joy (Verse 20)
   • Proper Joy comes from rejoicing that our names are written in heaven.
   • This joy should be our primary motivation in all that we do.
   • This focus will result in experiencing internal joy and radiating joy to others.
   • When we seek and obey Jesus, we will experience joy.

 
Reflection Questions:

1. What type of heart do you currently have? Has your heart changed at all over the last several weeks, as we have focused on Jesus (God the Son)?
2. Where have you recently been where God’s peace has been welcomed with open hearts? Have you remained in touch?
3. Have you ever had to “shake the dust off your feet” like Paul and Barnabas? Is there anything about this teaching that you struggle with?
4. Are you currently hiding any gifts/talents from Christ’s body? If so, why?
5. Are there any ministries at St. Aidan’s that appear ready to be shared with more Kingdom workers outside of our church body?
6. How do you know when you are experiencing proper joy?
7. What role should joy have in helping us discern where to cast our nets?