Day 22: Rejoice, Even Now
In Hebrew, the word for rejoice is mostly translated as “rejoice,” “delight,” “filled with joy,” or “gladden.” It describes an inward feeling of joy as well as an outward expression. We see it expressed in many ways in the OT, including blowing trumpets, singing, and dancing. And lastly, but critically, rejoicing is often connected to the heart or heart posture. (Reference, William Mounce)
Let’s look at two prophecies found in Zechariah. Both are about Jesus and his coming(s). One is Messianic and the other seems to be more eschatological. Either way, they are about Jesus’ coming, and they both begin with the command to rejoice—inward and outward.
Daily Reading:
Zechariah 2:10-12
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
(Follow up. They did rejoice and shout when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. See Luke 19:37-38.)
Here’s what has my attention today. Both prophecies call for immediate rejoicing, but both have quite a bit of time before their fulfillment. And I think that’s why the posture of the heart is connected to rejoicing.
Rejoicing is a big part of the kingdom of heaven. It’s throughout the Bible. We even see God rejoicing. He’s an expressive singer and dancer according to Zephaniah 3:17. As with all his other aspects, posturing our hearts towards him, beholding him, and being transformed into his image is part of the waiting. It’s part of discipleship. It’s part of being sons and daughters. It’s part of preparing and being a readied bride for Jesus.
Rejoicing in the waiting—regardless of which promise we are watching for, those personal to us or collectively as the body of Christ—isn’t always easy. It’s a constant decision to keep looking and beholding Jesus. But when we do, we find every reason to keep rejoicing as well as a perfect display of it in him.
Jesus, as we celebrate your birth and prepare for your return we will rejoice now. We will delight in you as we behold you. Thank you for rejoicing over us. Thank you for a kingdom that is full of rejoicing even while we wait.
Brave Sparrow 