Behind Our Godly Rejoicing

Text: Exodus 18:1-12  LBC 30^th Anniversary   September 26, 2010

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

       We may not be aware, but every time we rejoice in the Lord, we give glory to God. Our expressive rejoicing is not in vain because behind it are rich memories with great significance. Rejoicing in the Lord keeps us stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually. Many may not agree, but it seems that joyful believers are also healthy Christians.  

       In Nehemiah 8:10, it says, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (KJV) Rejoicing strengthens the believers in the Lord. It gives us the needed opportunity to be revived spiritually, and consequently, we accomplish greater works for the glory of God.

       The Apostles Paul and Peter consistently reminded the believers in their time to rejoice always because they knew that having a joyful heart will make them more useful and productive in their Christian life. Surely, the Lord is delighted to see believers serving Him faithfully and singing “There is joy in serving Jesus” with real gladness in their hearts. No doubt, Peter and Paul finished their paths of duty with many God-glorifying works because behind their spiritual fruitfulness was their excellent attitude toward godly rejoicing.

      Paul said, “Rejoice evermore”. (I Thes. 5:16) Peter said, “Greatly rejoice”. (I Peter 1:6) Be a joyful Christian and let your rejoicing touch other lives for the glory of God.

       As we study Exodus 18:1-12, we will see a man named Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law rejoicing in the Lord. He came with a purpose to congratulate and rejoice with the people of God because he heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people. Behind his rejoicing are essential things that require a closer look so we may realize why true believers should rejoice in the Lord.    

(I)    Remembering The Goodness Of The LORD

  Exodus 18:1-9

       Godly rejoicing is far from people with indifferent attitude toward God and His servants. During Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, many tempted God and murmured against His faithful servant Moses. In Exodus 17:4, it is written, And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. (KJV) How shameful the children of Israel were in the sight of God. They overlooked the goodness of the Lord and failed to remember how God has taken care of them in the wilderness.

       As the Israelites struggled against the will of God, here comes Jethro who was very excited to meet them especially Moses, his son-in-law to know more about the greatness of the Almighty God and to tell them his unquestionable acknowledgement of the goodness of the LORD. In Exodus Exodus 18:9, it is written, And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. (KJV) Our godly rejoicing is being manifested through remembering and acknowledging the goodness of the Lord toward us.          

-The goodness of God leads us to

  Romans 2:4

       Many people may be experiencing the goodness of the Lord, but their understanding concerning such blessing is so limited and one sided. A typical person who is enjoying the goodness of the Lord has the inclination to tell or even brag of his blessings to others, but often times, he overlooks the other purpose of God’s goodness - forbearance and longsffering. The Bible says in Romans 2:4, Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (KJV) How gentle our Saviour is in His dealings to us. Every time we receive good things from the Lord, may we consider examining ourselves whether we are pleasing God or He is sending His blessings to usher us to repentance.

       Isn’t it more memorable and enjoyable to rejoice together in the Lord with a repentant heart and clear conscience? Truly, godly rejoicing needs mindfulness of God’s goodness and a heart right with God.       

(II) Giving Thanks To God For His Wonderful

  Exodus 18:10

       Apparently, not all people who experienced God’s grace are thankful to God. Often times, people pray to God for their own advantage but not to give praises to His Holy Name. Even the Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness were not as appreciative of God’s wonderful deliverance as they should be. They have more murmurings than thanksgiving; and that is also what is happening in many Local Churches today. How shameful we are before God if we don’t give Him due thanksgiving. We strongly believe that behind godly rejoicing is a thankful heart.

     Jethro is a classic example of a thankful person, and with certainty, his gratefulness is the triggering factor behind his godly rejoicing. In Exodus 18:10, it is written, And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. (KJV)

-“On eagles’ wings”

 Exodus 19:4   Deuteronomy 32:11  

       The eagle represents many important things concerning wisdom-filled life and being associated with such well-admired bird creates a sense of pride. The flight of an eagle is so inspiring to behold as it displays our Creator’s wisdom. The eagle is also a symbol of strength and freedom.

       In Exodus 19:4, it is written, Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. (KJV) “On eagles’ wings” is a sort of figurative phrase that denotes God’s wonderful care for Israel.

       A more detailed illustration, in Deuteronomy 32:11 will give us insights on how eagles handle their young ones. Feeding, instructing, watching and guarding are much involved in the way of an eagle. The verse says, As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: (KJV) What an expressive picture of God’s loving-kindness toward His people. The children of Israel seemed to overlook such vivid picture of God’s loving-favour. On the other hand, Jethro who is a Gentile, saw the depth of the well-treasured photograph of God’s love because he did not only use his naked eyes but clearly saw it through his eyes of faith.

       As we rejoice in the Lord, may we not forget His protecting presence and the warmth of fellowship we enjoy “under His wings”. Matthew 23:37 is a very interesting passage from the Bible to remind us about God’s loving care for His people. The verse says,  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (KJV) What an open invitation to take heed! What a wonderful message of salvation through faith in Christ!  

       Keep on rejoicing with a thankful heart! God’s awesome deliverance is worthy to be thanked for. Keep in mind how He saved us, sustained us and renewed our strength as an eagle. (See Psalm 103:1-5 and Isaiah 40:29-31) 

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