The Joy of Fellowship

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.—1 John 1:1-4

The Gospel, the good news that Jesus came into the world to bring us into a fellowship with the Father is what the Apostle John is sharing with His brothers the Jewish people.  His letter was for the Jews scattered throughout Asia Minor and other parts of the Roman Empire in His day.  

He refers to Jesus as the ‘Word of Life” and “the Eternal Life” which was with the Father.  The Gospel was demonstrated in front of John’s eyes. He saw the compassion of the Lord as He healed the sick and raised the dead.  He was there at the foot of the cross when Jesus while being crucified prayed, “Father forgive them.”  What he saw and heard He declares in His letter to His Jewish brothers, that only Jesus can bring us to the Father.

Our fellowship with the Father is what brings true and lasting joy into our lives.  The more we take time to pray to our Heavenly Father and feed upon and act upon The Lord’s Word, the more joy we will experience in our life!  Joy should be the trademark of every Christian.  Joy brings strength into our life to face difficult circumstances with a confidence on the inside that our Father will make a way!  Joy is an indicator that you are activating your fellowship with the Father!  Are you joyful?