Pastor’s Note: We’re continuing on from where we left off the week before Christmas. If you want to review, here is the link: Christ In The Midst of The Church – 2

Christ Jesus in our midst is the key to joyfulness.

When Jesus walked into the locked upper room where the disciples were meeting, He greeted them with “Peace be with you,” a peace that only He could give! “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” – John 20:20. They were glad, they were filled with joy; here is a whole new dimension in the Christian life!

Small wonder these disciples were glad. Jesus had walked into death, entered into Sheol, and emerged again with the keys of death and hell in His hands, having conquered the grave by His resurrection. Reflecting on this tremendous event, John wrote later on, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them (every contrary spirit to God), because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4.

There is a story of Billy Graham, who once visited our troops while they were fighting in Korea. Around 5:00 A.M. he was awakened to go to a prayer and praise service. They arrived at the place where the little church was assembled. It was twenty degrees below zero; the bitter wind made it feel still colder. The front and back walls had been blown out of the church. Two side walls remained, with no roof or heat. The people were on their knees praying. Billy Graham could not understand what they saying, so he asked someone to translate. The translator responded, “They are all praying the same prayer: ‘Thank you, Jesus!'”

Jesus used the phrase, “Be of good cheer,” often times when speaking with the disciples. He spoke of forgiveness, “Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” – Matthew 9:2. He spoke of peace and companionship, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27. And He spoke of victory, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.

These expressions cover the totality of a Christian’s life – past, present, and future. The sin of the past is blotted out for the believing Christian. The continual fellowship of Christ is offered for the present. And the future will reveal Christ as the Conqueror and Sovereign King of the world. This is possible because Jesus is in the midst of the believer’s life, His Body, His Church, bringing joy!

TO BE CONTINUED

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.