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Bible Project Video – Chara: “Joy”

I’ve got an awesome little video for you today from The Bible Project that offers a great explanation of Biblical Joy. This one is only 4 and a half minutes long, so it won’t take up a lot of your time. If you have any trouble viewing this video at all, click here to watch it on YouTube.

Hebrews 12:1-2 offers a powerful lens through which we can view the nature of joy in the Christian walk, highlighting Jesus as the perfect example. This passage, deeply inspiring, reads:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us 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.” (NIV)

The Greek word for ‘perseverance’ or ‘patience’ in that verse is “hupomonē,” encapsulating a steadfast, active endurance in the face of trials. This deep-rooted patience is integral to the transformative joy that remains unshaken by life’s trials and tribulations. It’s a joy born from understanding our identity in Christ and the eternal hope we have in Him. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, this joy is steadfast and enduring, anchored in the promises of God, and bolstered by a patient, enduring commitment to faith even amidst life’s challenges.

In His journey to the cross, Jesus displayed “hupomonē” most powerfully. Despite facing the most harrowing of circumstances, His focus was on the joy that awaited Him – the joy of fulfilling His Father’s will and securing our salvation.

We talk about Paul this week, today in fact (day 11 in our study guide), who exemplifies joy throughout his ministry. His endurance is active and dynamic; he doesn’t just withstand difficulties — he continues to preach, teach, and encourage others, turning his trials into triumphs for the sake of the gospel. Paul’s persistence in the face of opposition, his commitment to his faith during suffering, and his unwavering focus on his mission are profound examples of joy in practice.

The author of Hebrews 12:1-2 extends an invitation that resonates deeply, especially as we approach Christmas and the new year—a time when many of us are aware of the challenges we’re facing or those that may follow us into the coming year. He encourages us to experience a profound joy, urging us to fix our eyes on Jesus, to learn from His example, and to run our race with perseverance. This passage reassures us that our ultimate joy isn’t found in our current circumstances but in our future with Christ. It’s an open call to trust in God’s plan, even amidst the difficulties of the season, and to discover joy in our journey. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and step into a new year, let’s anchor our lives in the hope of what is yet to come.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

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