Uncovering Joy
The Church in the United States and most of the world has never lived through anything like the past 11 months. We have endured anxious caution and a restrained life for the sake of protection. We have watched as infection rates surge and fall. We have learned to rely on technology to connect online (so available, yet so remote).
With greater depth and urgency than ever before, many believers have faced a spiritual reckoning. They’ve questioned their self-sufficiency, personal sacrifices, and God’s authority. For many believers, this unprecedented experience has been alarming. For God, it is nothing new.
God has challenged man in startling ways since the very beginning. In Genesis 3, God challenges Eve to explain herself and later for Adam to present himself (as if he could hide!). God presents similar challenges to Moses and the Exiles (Exodus 15:22-27), in Jacob’s wrestling encounter with God (Genesis 32:22-32), with Thomas who doubted (John 20:24-29), not to mention the early churches in Philippi (Philippians 4:6), Corinth (1 Corinthians 10:1-33) and Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17).
God Is Challenging Us
It should come as no surprise when God is challenging us. Yet, it does.
In Arcade Church Elder meetings there has been much discussion about “new normal” – where we will settle after this crisis. While the conversations are absolutely necessary, we have constantly had to remind ourselves of the deep-rooted, unchanging sovereignty of God. What is God’s clearly expressed and perfect way? How are we to think and act in these unprecedented times? Where are we timidly holding back as God is calling us to boldly go forth?
In John 5:14-16 Jesus tells his disciples: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
When reading these verses, consider the alternative: turn off the lights, hide, extinguish any flicker of light, and repress the God-given urge to help others to hear, see or follow Christ.
I compare it to owning the perfect style, size, and color couch. We know its intended use. Great for gatherings. An ideal napping place. Cozy for book reading and television watching. Knowing all that, it is as if we place a crunchy, clear, plastic couch cover over it. For the sake of maximizing its utility, we keep it uninviting and hidden.
The Vision
As Christians, we should know better. That is why Arcade Pastors, the Elder Board and Staff propose a new vision for Arcade. We urge believers (and pre-believers) to discard the coverings of the world. Instead, we aim to place a renewed focus on uncovering joy.
Like the one healed leper out of ten who came back in gratitude, complete joy is found in Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges believers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Starting this Sunday, Arcadians are going to be hearing a lot about Christ-like joy. Arcade has many reasons to know the joy of Christ: senior-saints who continually pray, pastors and Sunday school teachers who faithfully and enthusiastically teach the Word, and musicians who exalt Christ. We have a firm foundation upon which to build.
Even if the joy may have dimmed in the current trial, it is ready to ignite. In our celebrations and in sorrow, baptisms and memorials, meals and fasting, joy is to be on display. It is Christ-like joy that encourages others to know Jesus, for us to be more like Jesus and for Jesus to be rightfully exalted.
Yearning for Joy
Like everyone, the Elder Board is ready to say goodbye to COVID-19. We yearn for regular, in-person gatherings, small groups and serving. For Christians, this is not a new yearning. Gathering fuels joy. John the Apostle writes in 2 John 12: “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”
Even if we are not together soon, my prayer is that Arcadians set their minds on the joy of baptisms, raising hands in worship, seeing children learning about Jesus, participating in Bible studies, connecting with friends at the coffee cart, playing futsal with our neighbors, handing out water bottles at events and much more. Lord, fix our gaze on Christ today that joy may abound. Set our minds on the day when there will be unfettered worship and adoration before your glorious throne forever and ever.
