Joy is rare. Happiness, related to joy but not the same, is something more readily experienced. Joy is a deeper happiness, a more exultant happiness. It is usually attached to more momentous moments, moments that possess great significance and emotional weight. Examples are readily found in sports. Imagine what it would be like for a guy who grew up playing baseball. A kid will often pretend he’s playing in the final game of the World Series. His imaginary scene is fraught: there are two outs, bases loaded, count is 3-2. Out loud he imitates the play-by-play of the announcer: “There’s the pitch, it’s a sharply hit fly ball out to left-center, Jones is running back, he’s running, he’s on the track, he leaps and — and — he makes the catch! He makes the catch!! Ball game over!! World Series over!! The crowd goes wild!!!” Now, what if that kid, who has been playing that tape in his head all his life, turns into a major leaguer and actually catches the last out of the last game of the World Series? He would be out of his mind with delight, with exuberant, exultant joy!
Such was Jesus’ response upon the joyful return of the 72 (Luke 10:1-24). They had experienced a foretaste of the salvation that he was to accomplish. And that it was to “little children” and not to the “wise and understanding” that it had been revealed made it even more exhilarating for him. Jesus was thrilled! Here the fulness of the Triune godhead, in perfect harmony, was carrying out the eternal plan of redemption, a plan that attacked pride, the root sin that had provided the deadly sustenance for all subsequent sins.
Understand, it is not education or training that is being undercut (ignorance is not virtuous). It is the mindset that allows people to think that they can stand in judgment of the gospel rather than the gospel judging them. The 72 had embraced with faith, evidenced by their going out a lambs amidst wolves, the call of Jesus. Like little children they trusted their heavenly Father to protect them and provide for them and they experienced first hand God Almighty’s mercy and grace. Jesus’ response was totally appropriate.
Understand, it is not education or training that is being undercut (ignorance is not virtuous). It is the mindset that allows people to think that they can stand in judgment of the gospel rather than the gospel judging them. The 72 had embraced with faith, evidenced by their going out a lambs amidst wolves, the call of Jesus. Like little children they trusted their heavenly Father to protect them and provide for them and they experienced first hand God Almighty’s mercy and grace. Jesus’ response was totally appropriate.
To be rescued from the eternal consequences of sin is no less momentous than a man being plucked from a boat adrift in the ocean with no shore or ship in sight. It's not difficult to imagine what the reaction would be when the one who was lost is finally hauled up on deck.
In those moments when God impresses you afresh with the reality of your salvation, let at least a hearty “Hallelujah” emanate from your grateful heart.
