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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2024
- HymnEnglish_I Am Happy in the Service of the King+Theme_Joy
I Am Happy in the Service of the King
(Alfred H. Ackley) Bb 4/4
I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, oh, so happy;
I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring,
In the service of the King.
In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.
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The term of Joy in the New Testament:
The element of joy in religion is still more prominent in the New Testament. It is the appropriate response of the believer to the "good tidings of great joy" which constitute the gospel (The gospel of Luke, Chapter two verse ten). In the four Gospels, especially Luke, this element is conspicuous. It is seen in the canticles of Luke Chapter One, verses one to eighty and Luke chapter two, verses one to fifty two. It is both exemplified in the life and character, and set forth in the teaching of Jesus. There are many intimations that, in spite of the profound elements of grief and tragedy in His life, His habitual demeanor was gladsome and joyous, certainly not gloomy or ascetic: such as, His description of Himself as bridegroom, in defense of His disciples for not fasting (The gospel of mark, chapter two, verses eighteen to twenty); the fact that He came "eating and drinking," giving occasion to the charge that He was "a gluttonous man and a winebibber" (the gospel of Matthew, chapter eleven, verse nineteen; His "rejoicing in the Holy Spirit" (the gospel of Luke, chapter ten, verse twenty one); the fact that His presence was found to be congenial at social festivities (Mark 14:3; Luke 14:1; John 12:1), and at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1 ff); His mention of "my joy" (John 15:11; 17:13). His teaching with reference to His followers harmonizes with this. The Christian virtues confer on those who attain them not only beatitude, a calm and composed state of felicity (Matthew 5:3-11), but also a more exuberant state of joy, which is in sharp contrast to the "sad countenance" of the hypocrites (Matthew 6:16) ("Rejoice, and be exceeding glad", Matthew 5:12). This spirit is reflected in many of the parables. The discovery of the true treasure of life brings joy (Matthew 13:44). The three parables in Luke 15:1-32 reveal the joy of the Divine heart itself at the repentance of sinners (see especially Luke 15:5-7,9-10,22-24,32). The parable of the Talents lays stress on the "joy of the Lord" which is the reward of faithfulness (Matthew 25:21,23). Jesus confers on His followers not only peace (John 14:27; 16:33), but participation in His own fullness of joy (John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13), a joy which is permanent, in contrast to the sorrow which is transient (John 16:22). In the dark days of disappointment that succeeded the crucifixion, the joy of the disciples passed under a cloud, but at the resurrection (Luke 24:41) and still more on the day of Pentecost it emerged into light, and afterward remained a marked characteristic of the early church (Acts 2:46 f; Ac 8:39; 13:52; 15:3). Paul speaks of joy as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatian 5:22) and of "joy in the Holy Spirit" as an essential mark of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). This joy is associated with faith (Philippians 1:25), hope (Romans 5:2; 12:12), brotherly fellowship and sympathy (Romans 12:15; Second Corinthians 7:13; Phillipians 2:1 f). To rejoice in the Lord is enjoined as a Christian duty (Phillipians 3:1; 4:4; compare Phillipians 2:17 ; First Thessalonians 5:16). In Christ, the Christian "rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (First Peter 1:8), in spite of his temporary afflictions (First Peter 1:6). Christian joy is no mere gaiety that knows no gloom, but is the result of the triumph of faith over adverse and trying circumstances, which, instead of hindering, actually enhance it (Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3 f; James 1:2,12; 5:11; First Peter 4:13; compare Matthew 5:11-12). Even our Lord Himself "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame" (Hebrews 12:2).
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To God alone be the glory!
