Inextinguishable Joy
The second chapter of the book “5 Marks of a Methodist: The Fruit of a Living Faith” by Steve Harper is entitled “A Methodist Rejoices in God.” The chapter begins with a single verse from the prophet Nehemiah “Don’t be sad, because the joy from the Lord is your strength” (8:10). Joy is an emotion that is often confused and misunderstood as fleeting and inconsequential. Yet, the examples of joy that Harper identifies and the exemplars of the perturbing qualities of joy reveal the tenacity of joy that is found in many parts of the Bible and in many world cultures.
In the opening paragraphs of the chapter, Harper notes that “while standing in the stream of the Christian saints, John Wesley included joy in the first mark of discipleship when he said, ‘God is the joy of his heart.’” Harper continues to note that “rather than let it go at that, [Wesley] made rejoicing in God the second mark of discipleship. He shows us that joy (like everything else) flows from the love of God.” These poignant connections between joy and the love of God begin to make clear the fact that just as the love of God is inexhaustible, the joy of God is unquenchable.
Although, there are many occasions and circumstances that will result in profound emotions other than joy, such as sadness, anger, rage, disgust and despair. Recalling the experiences of God and/or the examples of others can summon the resolve necessary to jettison negative emotions and lead to the decision instead to respond in a Christ-like manner. Harper explains that “joy stands on its own as a distinctive evidence that we are living as Jesus’s disciples.” Drawing upon his childhood experiences in which he was influenced by the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., Harper further observed that “Martin knew what every saint has learned: it takes strength to love, and the primary expression of strength is joy.”
The renewal of the strength to love is based upon an undying sense of hope. To sustain hope simply requires a faith that not only tomorrow, but each moment is filled with possibilities of improvement—something better. In a similarly titled book, “Marks of a Movement: What the Church Today can Learn from the Wesleyan Revival” by Winfried Bevins, the childhood experience of John Wesley being saved from the fire in his home at Epworth demonstrates not only the undying hope of his mother, Susanna, but her ability to contextualize that moment as a purposeful thrust to pursue the ultimate goals of his life—to share a message of hopeful joy with others.
Many historians largely credit John Wesley’s mother as being the primary spiritual influence in their home. Susanna was the one who “kept up the household, taught and disciplined the children, and even held prayer meetings in the rectory when her husband was away.” Susanna Wesley emphasized the importance of learning for her daughters as well as her sons. As we prepare for the observance of Mother’s Day, exploring the often under-appreciated roles of mothers in the home and the impact of maternal influences upon society seems well-warranted.
Anna Jarvis introduced the concept of Mother’s Day in an attempt to honor her mother’s leadership and contributions to the community. Anna Reeves Jarvis (the mother of Anna Jarvis) had suggested to her daughter that a day should be established to honor mothers. Unfortunately, the first Mother’s Day observance wasn’t organized until after the death of Anna Reeves Jarvis. Nonetheless, both Anna Reeves Jarvis and Susanna Wesley represent strong women with Methodist connections who helped to launch significant and sustained movements. Although the names Anna Reeves Jarvis and Susanna Wesley may be almost equally obscure, their lasting impacts are undeniable because of passions that they inspired in their children. While their names might be unfamiliar, most people have heard about Methodists and certainly, everyone knows and loves Mother’s Day!
The determination to recognize the use of our gifts for the glory of God is not only admirable, it characterizes the essence of a movement. Throughout the month of May, we will continue to dig deeper in the Marks of Methodism. From our beginning last week with Bishop Frank Beard and the discussion of the love of God and the determination to not simply fish for people, but to catch them with the love of God; to our current focus on the joy that gives us strength to love even amidst difficult circumstances; and next week, to explore our expressions of gratitude to God for the many ways that we are blessed.
It is the undying hope for a better tomorrow that makes it possible for us to persevere. Those lessons of life and love that so many of us have learned from our mothers are deserving of far more appreciation and reflection. Perhaps the prophetic words of Nehemiah would exude greater resonance if instead of saying “don’t be sad,” it read “don’t remain sad.” Sadness can be a very appropriate emotion. However, strength is associated with joy. There is an accompanying hope that propels us with greater determination and purpose. Find the joy; share the love and spread the sense of hope among all. Because it is those purposive moments that our strength is found.
We’ll see you in worship and in class on Mother’s Day!
Be encouraged.
Jon McCoy
