Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

SHARE THE JOY

This entry was posted on 02-15-2008 and is filed under uncategorized.

"With the joyful be joyful..." (Romans 12:15-a New English Bible).

I wonder why Paul has to tell us to "rejoice with those who rejoice" (NKJV) and exhort us to "share the happiness of those who are happy" (Phillips)? Could it be that some of us have a problem when others are blessed of God and are filled with happiness and joy? Hmmm.

Joseph's brothers were not exactly filled with joy when Joseph received the beautiful coat of many colors. Rather, they were filled with jealousy - and worse! The disciples were not filled with joy when they saw a woman pour costly oil on the feet of Jesus, Rather, they were filled with indignation (Matthew 26:8). What about us? Why do some of us have difficulty in rejoicing with those who rejoice? Paul could rejoice when others were preaching Christ even though they were only motivated to do so because he was languishing in prison, supposing to add to his affliction. But good-hearted Paul said, "In this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice" (Philippians 1:15-18). What a marvelous, magnanimous attitude!

Prayer: Loving Father, help us to be happy when others are happy. Fill us with joy when they are filled with joy. Empower us to rejoice with those who rejoice! Through Christ we pray.