stephen R Harrison

JOY 365: Day 32

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10

What a Sunday! I shared from Acts 2:41-47 about the church as an authentic family devoted to the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer, generosity, the awe of God, and much more. That afternoon, a few people shared how much they loved their church and how these qualities from the early church had brought them great joy in ours. One of them told me how someone’s generosity got them through a difficult time. Another told me how they enjoyed the prayer gathering they attend every Monday. Someone’s comment stood out to me and reminded me of one of my favorite Bible verses.

During one testimony of how the church had been a genuine expression that represents that of Scripture, one man said, “All of this was made possible by the good news of the gospel.” At that moment, the Spirit reminded me of Luke 2:10, where the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Great joy is a product of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All who call on Him to save will become new creations and be placed in the church that does new creation activity. These activities bring joy! Pray does. The Word does. Fellowship does. Generosity does. As we devote ourselves to those practices, we continue in the joy of the gospel. Who do you know that needs this kind of joy? Who can experience it? The verse is clear – it is for “all the people”. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved and receive His great joy! 

How are you practicing the activities of the early church in Acts 2:41-47 to receive the great joy initiated by the gospel?