13 The Gracious Design

The Gracious Design The presence of a wise, kind, sympathizing friend, is always pleasant, and at times peculiarly valuable. What, then, must the presence of Jesus be to his disciples! But as our nearest and dearest friends must at some time leave us, so it was necessary for Jesus to leave his disciples, and return to his Father. Having, therefore, pleaded with his Father to keep them, he says, "Now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves" (John 17:13). The Savior’s Departure: "Now come I to You." He was returning home — ascending up where he was before. This was necessary, for his work on earth would be finished. He had no more to do for his people on earth which required his personal presence. His foes would be all conquered; for he spoiled principalities and powers, and made an open show of them, triumphing over them in his cross. The serpent’s head was bruised. The world was overcome. The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. His engagements were met. All that he undertook to do, was done. Every bill was met. Every bond was honored. The Surety may now be discharged. His sacrifice would be offered; which sacrifice . . .
put away the sins of his people,
made reconciliation for them, and
satisfied divine justice on their behalf. His departure was desirable, as well as necessary. If he did not go, the Comforter would not come. Besides which, it was in order to his exaltation, to his honor and glory. The seat at his Father’s right hand was prepared and waiting for him. All the hosts of Heaven were ready and desirous to do him honor. He must, therefore, depart and go unto his Father. The Place of His Prayer: "I speak in the world." Jesus on earth, addressed his Father in Heaven — and addressed him on behalf of his disciples. He prayed audibly. He seems to have been accustomed to do so. On a former occasion, the disciples were so struck with his prayer, that it seemed to them as if they knew not how to pray, and therefore, when he ceased praying, they said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." And he gave them, not a form of prayer — but a model, after which they were to pray, saying, "After this manner, pray."

He now prayed where his children were met, in the open air, at eventide, near to the garden of Gethsemane. In the world, where his disciples were exposed to dangers, afflictions, and sorrows — Jesus prayed for them. Earth has been consecrated by the prayers of the Son of God. Every place is hallowed ground. Therefore the apostle says, "I will that men pray everywhere." When we pray, let us remember that Jesus prayed here before us. The Object He Had in View: "That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." He uttered his prayer in the presence of his disciples, to make them happy. In prayer we . . .
open our heart,
reveal our feelings, and
give expression to our desires. Jesus wished his disciples to see how his heart glowed with love to them, how deeply he felt interested in them, and how ardently he sought their good.

Jesus not only prayed for them — but with them. He stood among them. He was surrounded by them when "he lifted up his eyes to Heaven and said, Father, the hour has come." He had bequeathed to them his peace, and he wished to impart to them his joy, his own joy, that which filled his heart, and had sustained him in all the past. Jesus rejoiced and had joy . . .
in what he had done for them,
in what he had obtained for them, and
in the glory arising to his Father therefrom.

He wished his beloved ones also to rejoice in what he had done in their name and stead; and he wishes us still to do so. For us he has . . .
fulfilled the law,
satisfied divine justice,
paid the penalty of sin,
conquered Satan,
shut the gates of Hell, and
opened the doors of Heaven,
obtained . . .
a title to glory,
grace to help us in every time of need,
all good things on earth, and
all glorious things in Heaven!

And, O blessed thought! God’s glory will be great in our salvation. God will be honored in the salvation of his Church, more than by all his works besides. He will be more honored by the salvation of one of the elect — than by the damnation of all that are lost.

Jesus wished to fill them with joy, as he had said to them before: "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." Often do we read of the disciples afterward being filled with joy, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. The object of our joy is infinite, for it is God himself, "We joy in God," who is our "exceeding joy." The supply of our joy is inexhaustible, for it is the fullness of God. Ought we not, then, to be filled with all joy and peace in believing?

Observe, Christ is the author of our joy. We would have no joy but for Jesus; but in him we may rejoice always. His joy is ours, and we should rejoice in the same objects and subjects that he does.

Joy flows from Jesus through the truth; therefore he spoke before them, and gave utterance to such deep and solemn truths. Nor should we expect to be happy but as we believe, receive into our minds, and seek to have communion with God through the truth.

Joy is a great blessing, as it strengthens for duty, and prepares for suffering. The happy Christian is the holy Christian. True joy always . . .
dedicates us to God,
fills us with zeal for God, and
makes us careful in our observance of his precepts.

So, also, joy fortifies the mind against suffering, and makes us bold in his cause.

Christians should aim to make each other happy; and in order to this, they should pray together. When Jesus would fill the hearts of his disciples with joy, he led them to the throne of grace, praying with them, and for them. So we, if we would comfort one another, should meet together for prayer, and should pray with and for each other when we meet.

We should encourage joy by looking back — once we were not a people — but are now the people of God; once we had not obtained mercy — but now we have. (1 Peter 2:10)

We should also encourage joy by taking right views of the present — we know that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

We should also encourage joy by looking forward to the future — holding fast our confidence, and the rejoicing in hope firm unto the end (Hebrews 3:6).

Nothing is so likely to make us happy as dwelling upon what Jesus has done for us, and is to us. He has for us magnified the law and made it honorable. He is to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He has for us obtained everlasting salvation. He is to us, all and in all. Let us, therefore, rejoice in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. Let us dwell upon the discourses of Jesus, and the prayers of Jesus — that we may have his joy fulfilled in ourselves.

Beloved, true religion makes happy; and the more we have of it, the happier we shall be. Joy flows from Jesus; and the more we are with him, and the more communion we have with him — the more joy shall we receive. O to be wholly, entirely, and everlastingly taken up with Jesus, and with Jesus alone! My soul, remember that Jesus has gone back to his Father, and now he appears in the presence of God for you. While on earth he did all, and said all, that was necessary to make you happy; and what he did and said, the Holy Spirit has recorded, in order that your joy may be full.

There is more in Jesus to make you happy — than there is in yourself or in the world to make you miserable. Keep the eye fixed on what Jesus has done for you; and let your heart rest upon what Jesus has said to you. Remember his Word is, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me." Nothing is so likely to keep the mind and the spirit composed, as confidence in Jesus. Confiding in Jesus — you will be happy, and your happiness will bring honor to your Savior and his cause.

Holy Comforter, when fears rise within me, whenever doubts beset me, whenever gloom creeps over me — direct my mind to what Jesus did and said, and bring home these sweet words with power to my soul, "These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." Precious Savior, I bless your dear name, for your regard not only to my welfare — but my happiness!