joy bringer
SHARE THE
JOY
I'm an only child. Growing up this meant I never had to share a favorite toy, snack, bed, or the attention of my parents. It wasn’t until I had three daughters of my own that I realized, as a child, sharing isn’t easy! Three growing girls each with stuffed school backpacks sharing the backseat of my little car wasn’t a walk in the park, neither was sharing popcorn at the movie theatre, or sharing one bathroom as they became teenagers. If we’re honest, sharing isn’t much easier as adults. We want our own - to feel special. We hold onto what’s ours with an iron grip. Blame it on fear or trauma, but somewhere along the way many of us come to the conclusion that sharing equals loss. No matter how many times we hear “sharing is caring” the fact remains, sharing can feel like “less for me.” Of course, we don’t like to admit that sharing is hard for us, but for me, if you come after my ice cream or last few French fries the truth comes out real quick. Thanksgiving... the time when we intentionally gather around a table; the time when we turn to focus more on gratitude, generosity, and, you guessed it, sharing. It feels good! Who doesn’t feel better counting their blessings? And we know it’s better to give than to receive. But what about sharing? That one seems to be harder for us to carry out. We may share a little, but only when it’s convenient, easy, with people we like, and on our own terms when there’s more than enough to go around. But that’s not the point of the shared table. For the purposes of the American holiday, the original Thanksgiving table illustrates a place where diverse people come together and SHARE a meal and a moment in unity. 16 November 2021
But it wasn’t without controversy both then and now. It seems that the struggle to share is nothing new. Even before the American holiday, the Thanksgiving table existed. It was Jesus who showed us how to gather, sit, be thankful, and share. Jesus shared many tables. He shared them with just about everyone! From prostitutes and crooks, to smelly fishermen, the religious elite, and noblemen, Jesus wasn’t afraid to share his time, meals, conversation, intimacy, and wine with anyone who would come. And again, it was controversial. We hold back from sharing because we are afraid we will lose something and never get it back. What we learn from Jesus’ thanksgiving table is that all are welcome to take part. Not just those who will appreciate what is sacrificed. Not just those who will sit and behave. Not just those who will return the favor. Everyone. Jesus didn’t lose anything by sharing with those who rejected, judged, betrayed, and mocked Him. And He wasn’t oblivious to what was going on. He knew, and still He shared. In fact, sharing gave Him something. Great joy - complete joy. All throughout the New Testament, Jesus, Paul, and John all mention the idea of complete joy. Now, if you’ve read my writing before you know, I am all about more! I want more of the Lord, more time with you, more ice cream, and certainly more joy! So what is complete joy? How do we get it? Complete joy is shared joy. Each time we see the words “complete joy” it’s in reference to sharing. Jesus says, “I share this with you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy will be complete.” (John 15:11). Jesus shared more than food at a table. He told His disciples about His intimate love and bond with the Father. He gave them insight into His most personal life even knowing they would disappoint and fail Him. That took great risk! But love won over fear. There was something much greater at stake. More than just a moment, Jesus was focused on eternity. The Love of the Father has no limits and no one is excluded from sharing in the goodness. In his first letter, John shares his testimony as a witness to who Jesus is and says, “We write this to make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:4). Jesus is our joy so sharing Him gives us even more! Just like Jesus shared about his love and intimacy with the Father, when we share who Jesus is and how He’s changed our life our joy is made complete. This is not just in reference to our spiritual testimony. We share Jesus by sharing the fruit of our lives both spiritually and physically.
