Sorrow and Joy

May 19, 2021 (Wednesday)

 

So today, I am torn between Ezra pleading for his people in embarrassment and Jesus promising joy. Let’s take a look at them.

 

Ezra find himself: “And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God” [Ezekiel 9:5 ESV] On the other hand, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” [John 16:20 ESV]

 

What should I choose? I find it interesting that Ezra is mourning over the sins of his people, confessing them and asking for God’s favor. That’s an Old Testament word for “grace.” He prays, “My God, I’m too ashamed to lift up my face to you. Our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown to the heavens.” [Ezra 9:6 CEB]

 

The media would give us the impression many of us would rather shake our fist in our neighbor’s face and yell “God damn you” then pray “Father, forgive them.” I think true believers in Christ are better what the media says. I hope. I pray.

 

Ezra admits, “After all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt—although you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have allowed us to survive as we do.” [Ezra 9:13 CEB] Before I go any further, let me be clear…. We are no Israel. Our country has no rights under the covenant. Theologically it might be a stretch to equate our evil deeds, great guilt, and iniquities to any implied or real punishment.

 

But punishment suggests correction and love. Flat out truth: we deserve judgment. Then again, that is what Ezra was saying. How does this fit “joy?” I am so glad you asked! In John 16, Jesus is telling His disciples that they won’t see Him, for a “little while.”

 

Without Jesus physically present, the sky was falling. The one who protected them was leaving. The one who taught them was leaving. The one who fed them was gone. Think about it. They were losing their world. Sound familiar?

 

Jesus stated, “In the same way, you have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and you will be overjoyed. No one takes away your joy.” [John 16:22 CEB] In this world we will have reason for sorrow. If you haven’t noticed, this world is broken… badly. What counters this doom and gloom is Jesus promise that He would return!

 

Until then, Jesus teaches, “Up to now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive so that your joy will be complete.” [John 16:24 CEB] We will have joy when Jesus returns and “sets all wrongs right.” However, we can have joy NOW when we pray.