June 16, 2016 – Hebrews 1:8-9

You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Hebrews 1:8-9Have you ever thought about Jesus smiling with joy?  The joy of the Lord?  The Jesus who was brought into this world as a tiny babe to suffer and be crucified, taking on our sins? God gave His Son Jesus more joy than anyone.   How can this be?When we think of joy, we think of the pleasure in a game to play, being with friends, a good book to read, going to the movies or playing with our video game.Jesus laid the foundation of the earth.  He made heaven with his hands.   Last night, as I pulled the drapes closed for the night, light streamed through the window.  I saw the moon was shining brightly just above me. I said thank you to Jesus for sending the moon.  He made the moon just to say good night to me.When I am sad or lonely, Jesus sends something he made to remind me that He loves me, and I am to love others. This brings me joy.  He sends me some of His Joy through the Presence of His Father.  He assures me there is a deep and strong joy in loving justice and hating evil.  Hating evil so much that when it enters our hearts we chase it away recognizing there is no joy in evil thoughts or deeds.The joy of the Lord is my strength are the first verse lyrics of a chorus that runs through my mind. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.  Psalm 19:8-9