December 26, 2024
Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Lasting joy, ultimate joy, can only be found in communion with God. A reconciled relationship with God will produce this joy, triumphant joy, over all circumstances is one of the marks of a believer. One aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. The indwelling Spirit within each believer should produce, among other things, joy. This passage in the letter to Corinth references the ultimate victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over sin and death. What greater joy can be had than living in the eternal victory made possible by the atoning work of Christ? Jesus fulfilled the law by living out perfect righteousness and chose to die, despite being innocent, so that He might offer His death in place of ours. Ultimately, our joy comes from the victory of Christ displayed by the resurrection. The question is whether or not you have joined in the victory of Jesus and have learned to live in that joyous victory over sin. Are you letting the guilt and shame of sin continue to rule your life, or are you living in light of the redemption of Christ? Brothers and sisters, let the joy of the Lord wash over you as one who is no longer dominated by sin but lives in a manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Lord, give me the lasting joy that comes from resting in the victory of Christ! Help me to live my life worthy of the gospel, as a beacon of truth to the world around me.