The Full Measure of His Joy

"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them" (John 17:13).

The owner of a manufacturing plant decided to make a surprise tour of the shop. Walking through the warehouse, he noticed a young man lazily leaning against a packing crate. "Just how much are you being paid a week?" the boss angrily asked him. "A hundred bucks," answered the lounging guy. the boss pulled out his wallet and peeled off five $20 bills. "Here's a week's pay," he shouted. "Now get out and don't come back!" Wordlessly, the young man stuffed the money into his pocket and took off. the warehouse manage, standing nearby, stared in amazement. "Tell me," the boss said, "how long has that guy worked for us?" "He didn't work here," replied his employee. "He was just delivering a package."

Now there goes a young man with some measure of the fullness of joy. He didn't fully understand why he was being given the money, but took it anyway. At least for that day his joy was made more fully complete. I am sure for the "boss" he realized that he gave away some valuable asset, his money, with no hope of return.

Jesus gave a valuable asset for not only His disciples, but for us also, "I have given them your word......I have given them the glory that you gave me....I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known....." (John 17:14a; 22a; 26a). Jesus knew his disciples, and He knows us and makes no mistakes.  He does not give away his valuable asset foolishly. He expects a return on His investment and gives His fullest attention to the work at hand. "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. for them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message....." (John 17: 18-20).

I notice something here in these scripture verses that is so important to remember, people will come to believe in Him, Jesus, the Savior, the One we just celebrated his ascension into heaven, through "their message.""...in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them" This "message" is a message of love from the Father, (John 17:26b).  This message of "love" is shown in our lives as a living message to others, in our words and deeds.  Jesus gave us this valuable message and unlike the man who "stuffed" the money into his pocket and left, we are to use this valuable asset to help others.  The question is: Will We?  There is where we will find the "full measure of his Joy."

Daily Prayer:

Thank You Jesus for coming into our world to bring to the world the message of salvation. I am reminded that You are God the Son, mystifying as that is, it shows how much you love me.  I cannot keep silent, lead me this day to speak to someone of the great Joy that I have found in You.                         Amen