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The Joy of the Lord

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 17, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 53.

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The Joy of the Lord

By O. MONTGOMERY

O. MONTGOMERY
In the parable of the talents, as recorded in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, we learn that those who improve their talents and do faithful service in the Lord's vineyard, will have the blessed privilege of entering into his joy. They will be sharers with him in his glory. We are told in Heb. 12: 2 that it was “for the joy that was set before him” that Christ “endured the cross, despising the shame.” To taste of the joy of the Saviour and share in his glory will be the highest privilege that Heaven can bestow upon any of the created beings of the universe. What higher honor could be received, what more exalted privilege enjoyed, than to share with the Redeemer in the joy that will thrill his heart and the glory with which he will be clothed when all the universe will be gathered to witness the presentation of the redeemed to our Heavenly Father by our blessed Lord. Surely no joy could be more full.
But what is the joy that was set before him, to which he looked forward and for which he was willing to bear all the agonies of the cross,—that joy, a little of which he tasted even while here among men?—“It was the joy of Christ in his humiliation and pain that his disciples should be glorified with him. They were the fruit of his self-sacrifice. The outworking in them of his own character and spirit is his reward, and will be his joy throughout eternity.” As the words of the Master to the woman of Samaria at the well “aroused her conscience, Jesus rejoiced. He saw her drink of the water of life, and his own hunger and thirst were satisfied. To minister to the hungering and thirsting was more gratifying to him than eating or drinking. It was a comfort and a refreshing to him. “Benevolence was the life of his soul.” The Saviour's joy is in seeing in the kingdom of glory the souls that have been saved by his agony and humiliation. In Zeph. 3: 17 we read: “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he
will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Undoubtedly it will be our blessed privilege to hear the Master himself sing the song of rejoicing over those who are saved in his kingdom.

Our Joy

But what will be our joy and rejoicing? Paul tells us in 1 Thess. 2:19: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” If we are ever so unspeakably fortunate as to enter the courts of glory, it will undoubtedly be because we have gained an experience here in winning souls to him, which will enable us to taste of his joy. “The redeemed will be sharers in this joy as they behold among the blessed those who have been won to Christ through their prayers, their labors and loving sacrifice. As they gather about the great white throne, gladness unspeakable will fill their hearts when they behold those whom they have won for Christ, and see that each has gained others, and they still others; all brought into the haven of rest, there to lay their crowns at Jesus' feet and praise him throughout the endless cycles of eternity.”
This joy of the Lord, which they share with him as the fruit of their labor and sacrifice, is seen in other hearts and lives. They are workers together with Christ, and the Father will honor them as he honors his Son. The joy of seeing souls eternally saved is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of him who said, “Follow me.” They will enter into the joy of the Lord as they see in his kingdom those who have been redeemed through their instrumentality. They are privileged to have a part in his work there because they have gained a fitness for it by having a part in his work here. In heaven we shall be the same in character and holy service as we now are. The Lord Jesus said of himself, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Thus his work on earth is his work in heaven, and our reward for working with Christ in this world is a greater power and a wider privilege of working with him in the world to come.
The home missionary campaign just started will afford the best kind of opportunity for all to gain an experience in soul saving that will enable them to enter into the joy of the Lord when he comes.