Tears and song of joy (2)

Thursday April 1, 2021

Tears and song of joy (2)

Those who sow with tears will reap with song of joy. Psalm 126: 5

The verse considered yesterday, applied to Jesus, describes the joy the Lord will experience when He reigns on the earth, surrounded by the Jews once again gathered. This joy will be complete when in heaven he will be at the center of all his redeemed for eternity. It is the result of his work done in tears while he was on earth.

Sowing with tears to reap with song of joy is also the part of every servant who, like the Master, announces the Gospel and, more generally, accomplishes the task entrusted to him by the Lord. The slave is not greater than his master (John 15:20). The Lord’s teaching to his disciples prepares them to encounter incomprehension, difficulties, and even persecution in the performance of their service ; these are the tears that accompany all Christian ministry and witness. The apostles knew them. Christians should therefore not be surprised if they cry in the course of their service. But the Lord recognizes what is done for Him : It is well, good and faithful servant ; you have been faithful in little, I will entrust you with much. Come share the joy of your master (Matthew 25:21). The joy shared with his Master is thus reserved for the faithful worker to reward him for his work and console him with his tears.

Sometimes, after trials, the Lord allows His servant to experience real joy in seeing already on earth the results of his preaching or teaching. This was the case with Paul. In Thessalonica, from which he must flee by night, Paul is the target of Jewish jealousy and false accusations (Acts 17: 5-9). A few years later, however, he could write to the Thessalonians : What is our hope, or our joy ? Isn't that you ? (1 Thessalonians 2: 19,20). In Philippi, Paul and Silas are falsely accused, severely whipped, thrown into prison (Acts 16:19-24) and outraged (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Result ? I have not worked in vain (Philippians 2:16-18). He even anticipates and rejoices in his martyrdom, if that were to be his destiny (v. 17).

Christians know that, despite difficulties and sorrows, their work is not in vain in the Lord. So let us be steadfast, unwavering, always abounding in the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)