January 18

He will rejoice over thee with joy. Zephaniah 3:17.

THE satisfaction here implied is the Saviour’s own joy arising out of the salvation of his people. He is “mighty to save.” “He will save; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.”

First, We may view this joy of the Saviour as the result of success. Nothing is more distressing than to be unsuccessful in our efforts, and nothing is more delightful than to see those efforts crowned with success. What said our Saviour? “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow because her hour is come, but as soon as she is delivered of her child she remembereth no more her sorrow, for joy that a man is born into the world;” the very image inspiration applies to the Saviour and his sufferings, where it is said, “He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied.” This was “the joy that was set before him,” for which “he endured the cross and despised the shame.” And oh, what joy did the Saviour experience when he ascended “to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God,” after saying, “I have finished the work thou gavest me to do.”

Secondly, This joy may be viewed as a manifestation of his benevolence. There is no pleasure to be compared with the pleasure of benevolence; none so unselfish, so pure, so elevating, and that will bear reflecting upon, like this. Such joy will be in proportion to the degree of benevolence possessed. How great therefore must be his joy! for

“His heart is made of tenderness,

His bowels melt with love.”

Thirdly, Let us view the Saviour’s joy as indicative of the delight and complacency with which he regards his people. “He taketh pleasure in them that fear him.” He himself says, in addressing his church, “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.” For “as a bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” The Saviour’s joy over and in his people is the sinner’s hope. Oh, what encouragement does it afford to all penitents! If we were but as willing to receive his blessings as he is to confer them upon us, we, too, should go on our way rejoicing. When, therefore, we feel almost afraid to apply to him because of our unworthiness, let us remember that instead of offending him by so doing we shall give him the greatest pleasure.

Lastly, The Saviour’s joy is the saints’ example. He was infinitely more than an example, and nothing less. If we depend upon him, we must resemble him. If we glory in his cross, we must tread in his steps; we must weep with him when he weeps, and rejoice with him when he rejoices; “for if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.”