Joyful Praise: The Church's Response to Christ's Kingship

Devotional

Day 1: The Inexhaustible Joy of Jesus

Jesus, known as the "Man of Sorrows," carried within Him a profound and inexhaustible joy. This joy was not dependent on His circumstances but was deeply rooted in His divine mission and the benevolent acts He performed. Despite the trials and tribulations He faced, Jesus' life was a testament to the joy that comes from fulfilling God's purpose. This joy is a model for the Church, which, despite its own challenges, can find deep joy in the presence and work of Christ. The Church is called to embrace this joy, recognizing that it is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated assurance of God's presence and purpose in our lives. [01:02]

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your life, even amidst trials, by focusing on your divine purpose and the presence of Christ?

Day 2: The Church's Hidden Joy

The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering but possesses a deep well of joy that is accessible only to its children. This joy is not based on external circumstances but is rooted in the presence of Jesus among us, as He was among the disciples. The Church is called to tap into this hidden joy, recognizing that it is a gift from God that sustains us through difficult times. This joy is a reflection of the Church's relationship with Christ and is a source of strength and encouragement for believers. [03:22]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek and experience the hidden joy of the Church in your daily life, especially during times of suffering or challenge?

Day 3: Spontaneous and Unanimous Praise

The disciples' praise was spontaneous and unanimous, demonstrating that true praise comes from a heart that has experienced the mighty works of God. This is a call for the Church to be quick to recognize and respond to God's blessings. When we witness the mighty works of God in our lives, our natural response should be one of praise and thanksgiving. This spontaneous praise is a reflection of a heart that is attuned to God's presence and activity in the world. The Church is encouraged to cultivate a spirit of praise that is both genuine and heartfelt. [09:08]

"Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants." (Isaiah 42:10, ESV)

Reflection: What recent blessing or mighty work of God in your life can you spontaneously praise Him for today?

Day 4: The Inevitability of Praise

Jesus' response to the Pharisees that even the stones would cry out if the disciples were silent underscores the inevitability and necessity of praise. The Church is called to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world. The inevitability of praise reminds us that God's glory will be proclaimed, whether through us or through creation itself. The Church is invited to join in this chorus of praise, recognizing the privilege and responsibility of declaring God's greatness. [44:27]

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy." (Psalm 96:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be more intentional in boldly proclaiming the greatness of God in your daily interactions and conversations?

Day 5: Rekindling Zeal

The Church today is called to rekindle the fervor and zeal of past generations, to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world. Rekindling zeal involves a renewed commitment to living out our faith with passion and purpose. The Church is encouraged to look to the examples of past generations who were bold in their faith and to draw inspiration from their zeal. This renewed fervor is essential for the Church to effectively witness to the world and to fulfill its mission. [43:55]

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to rekindle your zeal for God and His mission in your life, and how can you inspire others to do the same?

Sermon Summary

In the passage from Luke 19:37-40, we witness a moment of profound joy and praise as Jesus approaches Jerusalem. The disciples, filled with awe at the mighty works they have seen, cannot contain their joy and begin to praise God with loud voices. This scene is a powerful reminder of the deep joy that resides in the heart of Jesus, despite being a "Man of Sorrows." His life, filled with acts of benevolence and healing, was a testament to the joy that comes from fulfilling a divine mission. This joy is not just for Jesus but is a reflection of the joy that the Church, His body on earth, can experience even amidst trials and tribulations.

The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering and scorn, yet it possesses a deep well of joy that is accessible only to its children. This joy is rooted in the presence of Jesus among us, as He was among the disciples. The call to praise is not just a response to what Jesus has done but a recognition of His presence and kingship. The disciples' praise was spontaneous, unanimous, and filled with joy, demonstrating that true praise comes from a heart that has experienced the mighty works of God.

The Pharisees' objection to the disciples' praise highlights a common human tendency to resist the glorification of Jesus. Yet, Jesus' response that even the stones would cry out if the disciples were silent underscores the inevitability and necessity of praise. The Church today is called to rekindle the fervor and zeal of past generations, to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world.

Key Takeaways

1. gZg&t=62s'>[01:02]
2. The Church's Hidden Joy: The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering but possesses a deep well of joy accessible only to its children. This joy is rooted in the presence of Jesus among us, as He was among the disciples.

3. Spontaneous and Unanimous Praise: The disciples' praise was spontaneous and unanimous, demonstrating that true praise comes from a heart that has experienced the mighty works of God. This is a call for the Church to be quick to recognize and respond to God's blessings.

4. The Inevitability of Praise: Jesus' response to the Pharisees that even the stones would cry out if the disciples were silent underscores the inevitability and necessity of praise. The Church is called to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King.

5. Rekindling Zeal: The Church today is called to rekindle the fervor and zeal of past generations, to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world.

** [01:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - The Descent of the Mount of Olives
[01:02] - The Joy of Jesus
[02:10] - Jesus' Joy Manifested
[03:04] - The Church's Hidden Joy
[04:11] - Jesus in Our Midst
[05:18] - Stirring Up Holy Joy
[06:13] - Delightful Praise
[07:40] - The Power of Thankfulness
[09:08] - Unanimous Praise
[12:31] - Multitudinous Praise
[17:19] - Joyful Praise
[20:25] - Demonstrative Praise
[23:24] - Reasonable Praise
[39:14] - Intrusive Objections
[44:27] - An Unanswerable Argument

Sermon Clips

The Savior was a Man of Sorrows but every thoughtful mind has discovered the fact that down deep in his inmost soul he must have carried an inexhaustable treasury of refined and Heavenly Joy. I suppose that of all the human race there was never a man who had a deeper purer or more abiding peace than our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:54:40]

The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering but possesses a deep well of joy of which none can drink but her own children. There are stores of wine and oil and corn hidden in the midst of our Jerusalem upon which the saints of God are ever more sustained and nurtured. [00:58:40]

The disciples' praise was spontaneous and unanimous, demonstrating that true praise comes from a heart that has experienced the mighty works of God. This is a call for the Church to be quick to recognize and respond to God's blessings. [00:09:08]

The Inevitability of Praise: Jesus' response to the Pharisees that even the stones would cry out if the disciples were silent underscores the inevitability and necessity of praise. The Church is called to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. [00:44:27]

Rekindling Zeal: The Church today is called to rekindle the fervor and zeal of past generations, to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world. [00:43:55]

The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord peace in heaven and glory in the highest. [00:00:10]

The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering and scorn, yet it possesses a deep well of joy that is accessible only to its children. This joy is rooted in the presence of Jesus among us, as He was among the disciples. [00:03:22]

The disciples' praise was spontaneous, unanimous, and filled with joy, demonstrating that true praise comes from a heart that has experienced the mighty works of God. This is a call for the Church to be quick to recognize and respond to God's blessings. [00:09:08]

The Inevitability of Praise: Jesus' response to the Pharisees that even the stones would cry out if the disciples were silent underscores the inevitability and necessity of praise. The Church is called to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. [00:44:27]

Rekindling Zeal: The Church today is called to rekindle the fervor and zeal of past generations, to be bold in its praise and proclamation of Jesus as King. This praise is not just an expression of joy but a declaration of the mighty works God has done in our lives and in the world. [00:43:55]

The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord peace in heaven and glory in the highest. [00:00:10]

The Church, like Jesus, walks a path of suffering and scorn, yet it possesses a deep well of joy that is accessible only to its children. This joy is rooted in the presence of Jesus among us, as He was among the disciples. [00:03:22]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?