Joy Explained

John speaks of Jesus from the position of the closest of friends.  In fact, John was there from the beginning of Jesus' ministry and His baptism.  He ate with him, talked with him, witnessed Jesus' miracles and His teaching.  He stayed by Jesus' side as He was crucified on the cross and he ate with Jesus after He was resurrected (John 21).  He was known as the disciple Jesus loved.  If one was looking for a reliable witness to whom Jesus is, I believe that would be John.

John refers to Jesus as the Word of life, and indeed, Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of life.  He speaks of Him as having been with the Father, God.  John lets us know that eternal life was proved to him without any doubt.  Could you have witnessed the life, the death, and the resurrected Christ and not shared that truth?  John makes clear that his fellowship is with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Throughout this passage, he speaks in the plural using the pronouns we and us.  He is most likely referring  to the other disciples and believers who were intimately acquainted with Jesus, as well as Mary the mother of Jesus, who was given into John's care by Jesus Himself.  

Finally, in verse 3, I see in my mind's eye a continuous stream of believers in Christ reaching out to share the fellowship they have with one another because of their fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.  This is Life, whatever our circumstance, an abundant eternal life filled with hope.  I myself have had joy in the worst of circumstances:  my son lying in a hospital for 3 1/2 months,dying;  my mother's and father's death;  my own chronic illness, and other difficult life circumstances. I have experienced abundant joy even in those hard times,  and I have shared that joy with other believers also enduring difficult times.  This joy of which I speak transcends life's experiences:  it covers us.  It  is there waiting for us -- carrying us through, even when we cannot feel it.  Let the joy of Jesus Christ fill you with His love and hope that lasts for all eternity.  I echo John, "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

Prayer:   Father in Heaven, I pray that all who read this may experience the fullness of joy that can only be found in You.  May they see the truth of who Jesus Christ is, and I pray for them to connect with other  believers to share this fellowship of love and hope.  In Jesus Precious Name I ask these things.  Amen.

1 John 1: 1 - 4

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— ² the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

(A note for those who have problems reading and comprehending lengthy blogs:  I sometimes experience brain fog, which affects people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  This devotion is a little longer than some I write.  Therefore, I suggest you read it through, and come back later to look at smaller portions of the piece.  It is wise to break it up into smaller portions, to savor and ask God for understanding of each section you read.  Even though, it IS important to read scripture in context, meditation sometimes requires us to consider smaller portions, and ask God how this applies to our lives.  I pray you will enjoy comfort and peace, the peace of our Father God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.)