Read Acts 19:1-41
Joy is contagious.
Think of when you have been having a bad day, and you encounter someone who is joyful. Maybe that annoys you because you are not in that place of joy, or maybe it changes your mood, because that person has offered a new perspective for what you are going through. We may think of many things when we hear the word joy, but I find that joy is hard to define. The Greek word for joy is chara, which is closely related the Greek word charis, meaning “grace” or a “gift.” In essence, we have joy because of God’s grace, and we are to choose to have joy every day. Joy is so much deeper than happiness, happiness is temporary, but true joy is found in the presence of God.
In our passage today, Paul encounters some disciples who have not been baptized, and he invites all of them to make this decision. After they were baptized, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon them, these disciples spoke in different languages and prophesied. Joy rooted in God, is contagious! However, if we try to emulate joy without God in the center of it, dangerous things happen. In verse 13-16, some people tried to re-create joy without God as the source, and disastrous things happened, which resulted in people struggling to trust in the joy of God.
We are reminded today there are so many things in this world that are trying to take our joy away. The joy of the Lord is so contagious and powerful, that it can be threatening to others who do not believe. May you be encouraged today through the words of Nehemiah, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). May you know the joy that comes from Jesus, and may you know Jesus, King of Joy.
For Reflection:
- Each Sunday we include discussion questions on the sermon insert that can be used for deeper reflection and/or small group discussions. Take time to read through those questions today. You can find a digital version online at eastbrook.org/JesusKingofNations.
by Pastor Gabriel Douglas
Family Talk: Week 3
Jesus, King of Joy
Read Acts 19:8-10
Do you know the book called The Velveteen Rabbit? It’s about a toy rabbit who wants to become real. Another wise old toy, the Skin Horse, tells him that becoming real can’t be forced. It is something that happens over a long time, when you are loved by someone. The boy who owns the rabbit does love him, and together they go on many adventures. After a while, the velveteen rabbit becomes worn and shabby, with faded fur and missing whiskers. He doesn’t even look like a rabbit anymore—except to the boy who knows and loves him.
The velveteen rabbit became ugly—but beautiful—at the same time. Can you think of anything like that? Sometimes, when we work really hard on something, and then finally finish the job—we feel exhausted, but happy at the same time. Some things that are hard, are also joyful.
That’s how it was for Paul, the apostle. Paul was traveling through a region called Ephesus, teaching the Jewish people that their promised Rescuer had come. He told them about Jesus–what He taught, what He did, how He died and was resurrected again. This should be awesome news! But, instead people argued with Paul, and would not listen to his words. But Paul kept on teaching, moving from the Jewish meeting house—the synagogue—to a public lecture hall. There, he taught all kinds of people—everyday for two years. These years were really, really hard for Paul, but also full of joy. Paul believed that God saw what he was doing and was happy with him. So, Paul could be happy, too.
FAmily Storytelling:
- Parents: Share about a time when you did something really hard, while knowing that it was the right thing to do. How does doing the right thing make you joyful?
- Kids: Are you doing hard things right now? What are they? God sees your good choices and your hard work!