29.-The Joy Of God's People.-New Testament.
Amongst the causes or subjects of joy given in this, the final work of the Bible Students' Class, we get some that would only be accounted so by a Christian.
We are told to rejoice-
When reviled.
When persecuted.
When spoken against falsely.
When falling into various trials.
When brought low from a high station.
When partaking of Christ's sufferings.
Not only do we get these presented as subjects of joy; but, in the second division we get some as positively giving us occasion for rejoicing.
The apostles rejoiced when they suffered shame.
Paul rejoiced in suffering for the Colossians.
The Hebrews took joyfully the spoiling of their goods.
There must be some very definite reason why Christians rejoice in shame and suffering. The devotion of heart that can enable them to do so must be a very real power-the corning glory a very present hope.
Persecutions are common still, but are not of a character to bring their victims into world-wide notoriety of such form as was the case in the martyrdoms of old. They are of a constant and often petty nature, and are directed rather' to break the spirit than to take away the life.
But those whose spirits are already broken may well endure them, for Christ's sake. It is true they are none the less real because they are not blazoned abroad, but Christ too is a very great reality in the recesses of a believer's heart; and the call now is " Having done all, to stand," and stand fast. Nay more: our subject teaches us that 'trials and troubles are not only not to be allowed to overwhelm us, but we are to overcome them, and to rejoice in them. Oh, what murmurers we are! and how little do we rejoice in what we called to suffer for Christ's sake.
The subject, then, teaches us that trial and suffering, when endured for Christ, are distinct occasions for joy.
But we have another occasion that frequently occurs. It is " in the Lord." At first sight it appears much easier than the other; and yet really to rejoice in the Lord requires to have the heart in real communion with Him, and the soul enjoying Himself: a condition in which many dear Christians are but seldom found.
Another thing that strikes us is the unselfish character of Paul's joy: in every case it really is for others. What an example for us!
Let us at least, then, gather up from out last subject these thoughts: that our joy is to be unselfish, that we are to rejoice in the Lord continually, and that we are to joy in tribulation also.
May God make us all more joyful believers, especially in these three ways, and the world will then take knowledge of us, that we have " been with Jesus."