Joy to the Earth! The Savior reigns!

by Debra Kinzer
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Scripture Reading:
Psalms 119:9-16
James 1:22-25
Luke 6:47-49
Hebrews 13:20-21

Joy to the Earth! The Savior Reigns!  As I always look forward to the Christmas season, one of my favorite words displayed during this special time is “Believe.” I cherish this word as it became the foundation of my faith and its relevance grew beyond just a season into my lifestyle.  When I accepted the reign of Jesus Christ in my life, I came to truly “believe” in the power and love of God.

John 10:2-18 – The Shepherd’s reign: Joy in being transformed  

When I made the decision for Jesus to reign over my life, I had fear in not knowing what directions God might choose for me. I did not imagine then that the most significant transformation in my life would be in becoming a “giver.”  This is the gate the Shepherd had me go through.  I have been amazed to find that joy (meaning, the source of happiness) as described in this passage comes from a lifestyle of giving, and especially when considering how God is allowing me to spiritually carry on the ministry of Jesus.  I believe that being a giver matters because it is significant to God, and so I make every effort to maintain a life of deliberately caring about others, being willing to extend myself in learning to love others more sincerely.      

This passage in John 10 is the perspective I need to keep finding confidence.  I often look at this passage when thinking about why I’ve chosen to help others focus on Jesus as their source of joy and confidence.  During Christ’s time, the people did not have anyone to imitate.  They had hundreds of rules and a group of rulers who bred resentment and distrust. But Jesus influences me daily as I have Him to imitate.  He teaches me that I can trust His lead in laying down my life to help others find the same.

Under Jesus’ reign, He has given me both joy and purpose in learning to lead Bible studies, seeing others grow in their faith, helping each other’s kids become disciples, seeing young professionals and married couples become next-generation leaders, and walking closely with friends who decide to remain faithful, instead of faltering.  Though not everyone will appreciate or overcome this world to follow Jesus, my peace is in believing that I’ve given my heart to others while asking Jesus to sustain my belief with greater love and insight, and to find joy in being part of His ministry. 

It is my hope and prayer that He will reign in this area for all of us, and that we will increasingly lay down our lives in the belief that God will work wonders through us.  I believe that we will find joy as lifelong givers.     

Matthew 11:28-30 – Embracing Jesus’ reign:  Find rest and learn under His yoke

In believing Jesus’ teachings, to truly follow Him means I must be willing to continue learning.  It means believing that it is God’s plan for me to embrace discipleship as a process, believing in the incremental decisions that eventually result in growth toward more Christlikeness.   

In this passage, the word “learn” is translated from manthano (use, practice, habit, applying what is being learned).  In being a Christian wife, a mother, a manager in my workplace, and in serving our youth and family ministry, I continually learn to follow Jesus’ teaching to become more gentle and humble.  Jesus’ blessings have come years down the road after yielding my way to His way – especially in conversations.  Rather than responding “like me,” I decide to respond in ways that I believe Jesus would respond. 

Historically, Jesus was speaking against the fears invoked by the Pharisees’ expectations to follow them under a lifestyle of “not enough.”  I am still learning to release my fears and anxieties from feelings that I’m not enough and to put my emotions under Jesus’ yoke of truth.  Despite the appearance of life’s circumstances, I often have to tell myself that I will believe in God’s character and entrust myself to Jesus’ reign.  

As young Christians, my husband and I went through a number of years with infertility, which was very painful and challenging to my belief about God’s goodness.  I’ve also struggled at other times to refuse to allow my emotions to grow into resentments or weariness, particularly when God’s sovereign purposes play out in the ups-and-downs of my daily experiences.  I’ve sought Jesus’ promise of “rest” by focusing on what I know about His trustworthy character. 

Today, I find rest in believing that Jesus has good things planned for me.  In the process of discipleship, I am still working to overcome my natural tendencies and fears.  I am still learning to pray for Jesus to give me what I “need” and I continually ask God to give me His perspective – His will – over mine.  I also find rest by acknowledging that while I may not know what is best, I can fully trust that my Savior does. 

During Advent season, we can use our Bible study time to think more deeply about “Believe” in accepting God’s process of learning.  We can commit to growing and seeking rest by deciding to trust in His character.    

Questions for Reflection:

1.      What do you truly believe about God’s character?  How will you keep your thoughts from growing into anger or resentment as God’s sovereign purposes play out? 
2.      Try to determine what is at the root of your burdens or weariness and explain these to Jesus in prayer.   
3.      What is one way that you can become more of a giver?  Who can you talk with that will help you develop your faith in this area?

Today I will:

Contemplate the decisions that lie ahead in your day and make a vow to Jesus to make the ones that are most like Him. 

About The Author:

Debra Kinzer has been a disciple for 35 years along with her husband, Gary, who serves as a deacon in the Milwaukee Church. They have two wonderful married sons and daughters-in-law, and they have a grandson, Shepherd, who is 19 months old. They serve the church family as core leadership members, youth and family leaders, and zone and house church leaders. Debra is a business law department manager for a law firm.

To hear a special version of "Joy to the World" sung by your sister Amy Kinzer, click the image below: