NEHEMIAH 12:43 – And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”

 Perhaps one of the most neglected teachings when it comes to personal evangelism is the influence a life of joy has on unbelievers.  We know the command of Jesus to be spreading His gospel – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).  We also know the promise of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Jesus and His gospel – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). And still yet, we know to be always prepared to share the hope of Jesus’ gospel – In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). But what about the evangelistic impact of the Lord’s joy flowing from His people? I think this is understated and likely out of ignorance of what influence a joy-filled and joy-walking Christian has on a watching world.

In today’s scripture, the people of God are celebrating the dedication of the wall.  There is great reason to celebrate as God empowered and equipped His people to finish this noble task. Now note the main cause of their joy. It was not the completion of the wall itself. It was God. He made them rejoice, and not just a little. They rejoice with great joy, all of them to include the women and children. And it spread far beyond Jerusalem.

The Gospel of the Lord Jesus is the joy-producing message of salvation.  What did the angels say to those first Christmas shepherds? Luke tells us – And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:9-11). They proclaimed a message of great joy and that message, a Savior is born, produces great joy in those who by faith grasp the Gospel and meet Him who is their joy – the Lord Jesus.

How would we define joy? Well, it is not an emotion or feeling but will produce both. It is the confidence grounded in the Gospel that shapes our thinking, warms our hearts and transforms our lives.  This joy causes us to live above circumstances not by circumstance. It causes us to see God at work through trials and difficulties.  And it produces a steadfastness of hope in a hopeless world.  And when this joy is embraced and lived, it influences others. They observe us as those not rattled by the world, not living fearfully, and exhibiting consistency in the midst of a chaotic life. And soon, those unbelievers will want to know why we are like we are, why do we have joy?  Then, we have gospel opportunities.

So, study evangelism. Know how to share the gospel but never underestimate the power and influence of God-produced joy because of His Gospel believed and lived.

PRAYER: “Father, may I walk in the joy of Your Son today and may I share His joy with others.”

QUOTE: “Joy is not a feeling or emotion. It is a settled heart and mind resting with confidence in God’s promises.”