“Rejoice” but do we have reason to rejoice & sing?

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.

Zechariah 2:10 ESV

There is a common misconception about the way people see the Christian life. Oftentimes, people think that the Christian life is boring, not fun, and stale. Some people see Christianity as a “get out of jail free” card where there is the freedom to do whatever you want. In reality, there is a middle ground between these two views that give us a full and satisfying life. In addition, we must remember though that there is a reason for why we rejoice. With COVID going around, it is easy to ask ourselves what do we have to rejoice in?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

For this post, I am going to stick strictly to what the passage tells us. He says to “sing and rejoice” because God is going to dwell in the midst of them. That is an amazing reason to rejoice in this life. We, as believers, get to live in partial fulfillment of this truth. You see, the Holy Spirit dwells in each of us. Therefore, there is reason to rejoice in Christ and Christ alone. He has made His dwelling in the heart of every believer.

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

During this time, the Israelite people did not have the same reason to rejoice as we do. They sang and rejoiced because God is giving them a promise to hold onto. God did “dwell” among His people through the tabernacle/temple but it was certainly not to the degree that we get to enjoy His presence.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 ESV

Now that… is a glorious reason to rejoice. Although COVID may have taken some things from us, it did not and cannot take Jesus from us. Nothing will ever come in between our relationship with God. He has promised to come and dwell among every believer to the glory of His amazing grace… and THAT my friends… is the reason we rejoice.

Do all things without grumbling. Why? You have a sovereign God who is on your side, who works everything together for your good.

John Piper

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