“That Christ’s Joy May Be Complete”

Charles Spurgeon writes, “When you lean your head on His bosom, you not only receive, but you give Him joy; when you gaze with love upon His all-glorious face, you not only obtain comfort, but impart delight. Our praise, too gives Him joy–not the song of the lips alone, but the melody of the heart’s deep gratitude. Our gifts, too, are very pleasant to Him; He loves to see us lay our time, our talents, our substance upon the altar, not for the value of what we give, but for the sake of the motive from which the gift springs. To Him the lowly offerings of His saints are more acceptable than the thousands of gold and silver. Holiness is like frankincense and myrrh to Him. Forgive your enemy, and you make Christ glad; distribute of your substance to the poor, and He rejoices; be the means of saving souls, and you give Him to see of the travail of His soul; proclaim His gospel, and you are a sweet savour unto Him; go among the ignorant and lift up the cross, and you have given Him honour.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Morning and Evening)

In Mark 14:3-6 we read the story of the woman who made Jesus glad. It is in your power today to break the alabaster box and pour the precious oil of joy on your Savior’s head. Find ways to make God glad today through your obedience and praise. (Shared by Joni Eareckson Tada in devotional of 5-18-15)

This photo, depicting the applauding hands of Christ, was shared by Linda Keator as part of an Emmaus talk years ago and she graciously shared it with me in a digital file. I have printed and framed it as a gift from time to time through the years to celebrate the discipleship of individuals whose growth was surely making the Lord glad!  Linda has given permission to use this image, if you would like to share it with others whose Christian walk is surely a source of joy to Christ!