October 6

"These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves."—John 17:18.

LET us now proceed to consider

THE PECULIARITY OF THIS JOY. "My joy." Why is it called the Saviour's joy? Because he is the object of it. Everything connected with him demands our joy;—his person, work, offices, glories, excellences, blessings, and inexhaustible fulness. Because he is the revealer of it. He reveals the true nature of joy; unfolds in his Gospel its delightful effects; and points to the source whence alone it can be obtained. Because he is the purchaser of it. Sin caused a separation between us and the great spring of joy; Christ by his mediation brings us near again; "We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Because he is the giver of it. He imparts it by his Spirit. Thus, if he reveals it as a Prophet, and purchases it as a Priest, he confers it as a King. It resembles his own joy. This is the case in kind, not in degree—Revelation 3:21. Believers are said to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE FULNESS OF THIS JOY. "These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves;" that is, I have uttered these petitions in the presence of my disciples, thereby giving them a specimen of my intercession above, that they might possess an abundance of spiritual joy, when they see the deep and lively interest I take in their welfare. Christ's ascension and intercession are calculated to inspire believers with joy. Because they give assurance of the descent of the Spirit. The promise of the Spirit is given now, and fulfilled in answer to Christ's intercession. Because they afford evidence of the completion of salvation. He arose again for our justification. This proved that justice was satisfied, and the requirements of the law answered. Because they guarantee our acceptance with God—Romans 8:34. In him and by his powerful advocacy, our persons, services, and prayers are accepted. Should not this fulfil our joy? What cause for joy has the true believer! If he has a false accuser, he has a powerful Intercessor. His joy shall be completely fulfilled in that world where sorrow shall be forever unknown.