Saturday, March 30, 2013

Jumping for Joy

You will take note from my post yesterday that at this time of year I feel compelled to warn us against the trivialization and commercialization of Easter. I believe the shallow “happiness” sentiment expressed by way of bunnies and colored eggs is nothing less than the spirit of antichrist.

That being said, however, Christ’s resurrection is the happiest of all historical events, and should fill us with so much joy we cannot contain it.

In the Greek language there is a word for unrestrained joy. In Jude 24, 1 Peter 4:13 and Matthew 5:12, the Greek word is translated “exceeding joy,” denoting excessive joy and delight. It is derived from the word “to leap.” Somewhat humorously, we have an English equivalent expression: “jumping for joy.” I should point out that this “leaping” word for joy is not the word normally used. It seems the New Testament writers wanted a word that could express eternal joy irrespective of circumstances: “to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exceeding joy (1 Pe 4:13).

No matter how hapless yours, or my, circumstances may be at this moment, let's determine not to  let it keep us from having a “jumping for joy” Easter Sunday on the inside!

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