God - our source of joy

Matthew 8: 1 - 4

Genesis 17

In both these passages, God is a source of joy to the recipients of his love. Abraham is given a promise, even though he hardly believes it....yet the son born to him and Sarah is named Isaac (laughter). This new life, their son, becomes their joy, and evidence of the God they trusted, the God whose promises are fulfilled in his time.

Jesus in the gospel story brings joy by healing those who are afflicted by a skin disease. They are outcasts of society and the touch of Jesus brings joy and new life where once they had none.

God, our joy.......is the one who is always inviting us to let go of the old, of what no longer works and receive the gift of life and love he extends in his mercy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and I would say, also a gift, in the sense that we cannot 'earn' it. It is always gift, even as we prepare our hearts to receive. Abraham and Sarah had to continue trusting, even as they waited ......long years..... (really long, considering how we wait impatiently even as we pray). The lepers had to reach out for their healing, they sensed the compassion in Jesus and in their need, they called out to him.

God hears our need....and he desires to gift us with joy.

"I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me" (Psalm 13: 6)