Joy-Athletes

Inspired in part by Luke 6

(such a rich chapter! so hard to choose just a few thoughts)

There's no getting around it; God knows our hearts!

Whether what we do is to glorify Him first through loving our neighbour as our self

or whether we live to look after personal interests first!

Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the 'Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.'

He taught us that it is always lawful to do good on any day of the week.

While, not voiding the command in Exodus 20:8-11  

to take a day of rest unto the Lord;

' Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; 

but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord God;

in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, 

your manservant, or your maidservant, or your cattle,

 or the sojourner who is within your gates;

 for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,

 the sea, and all that is in them, 

and rested the seventh day; 

therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.'

In Luke 6 He went on to remind them/us 

of the faithfulness of God to sacrificial and suffering believers.

He encourages believers/followers to

 'leap for joy, for great is the reward in Heaven'.

Luke 6:23

So let's all be athletes and 'leap for joy'!!

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee- Carrie Underwood

Oh, leap for joy

The baby boy

In Bethlehem became

Redemption’s Lamb

God’s gift to man;

Salvation through His name

Trust in the One

Who gave His Son

The war o’er death to win

Faithful and just

He forgives us

As we confess our sin

Rejoice in He

Who sets us free

From dread of death and hell

The wonders of

Redeeming love

Is more than tongue can tell

Then join the song

The angel throng

Began so long ago

Peace and goodwill

To sweetly fill

Hearts dark with Eden's woe

And let life be

A melody

Of love’s lovely increase

As we applaud

The gift of God

Of righteousness and peace

Joy to the world

Mercy unfurled

Hope’s banner, blood red, oh

Yet by God’s grace

Sin is erased

And washed as white as snow

The doleful knell

Of would-be hell

Is quelled; let love applaud

And leap for joy

That baby Boy

Restored man’s way to God

Then let each heart

Become the part

That cradles Heaven’s boy

As we revere

God’s gift so dear

And sing with endless joy

© Janet Martin