Verse of the Day 5/25

Verse of the Day 5/25

Luke 24:52  And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,     English Standard Version (ESV)

With the loosening of restrictions of COVID19 many people across the country were able to go back to their church buildings to worship this weekend.  Others continued to follow their services online.  Whether at home or in their familiar church building there was great rejoicing and another indication that slowly, more of "normal" life will be returning.

The words joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, however, C. S. Lewis and others have noted that happiness is an emotion linked to our circumstances, like sunshine after days of rain.  Joy is deeper and can be residing.  Lewis writes "It jumps under one's ribs and tickles down one's back...  My private table is one second of joy is worth twelve hours of pleasure."

Today's verse tells of those who worshiped Jesus after His resurrection and their returning to their homes with great joy.  I'm sure, there were many yesterday who felt a similar feeling.  But for us as Christians, even more so we look forward to a time when we will worship Jesus in heaven and there will be no more need to return anywhere.  We will be with Him.

Today is Memorial Day and we will remember the fallen, those who gave all for their country.  We can also remember Jesus and how He gave His life for the world that one day we will return, go to the new Jerusalem with great joy and worship the King Eternal.

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I journey on my way
Joy that fills my heart with praises
Every hour and every day

There is joy in serving Jesus
Joy; that triumphs over pain
Fills my heart with heaven's music
Till I join the glad refrain

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I walk alone with God
'Tis the joy of Christ my Saviour
Who the path of suffering trod

There is joy, joy
Joy in serving Jesus
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Luke 24:50-53 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Ascension

⁵⁰ And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. ⁵² And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and were continually in the temple ^[a]praising and blessing God. ^[b]Amen.