Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 16:22, “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
Background
There is something in the New Testament called a “hina” clause, whose name comes from the transliteration and pronunciation of the Greek word ” ina .” This little word gets translated as “that,” “so that,” or “in order that,” and essentially serves as the introduction of a purpose clause. Whatever was done or said just before this word was done or said for the purpose that follows it. These “hina” clauses are scattered all throughout the New Testament, and one well-known one is John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and your joy may be full.” Here Jesus makes it very clear that He said what He said for a very particular reason, and it all has to do with joy. But the world in its present state is not about joy. Sure, there are constant endorsements for excitement, thrill, fun, irreverence, abandonment, irresponsibility, and gratification. But the daily grind of the world, and the people who make it up, does much to rob us of our joy.
Application
Circumstances steal our attention, a sense of dissatisfaction creeps in and we lose our sense of gratitude, and complaining quickly takes its place. Or our focus spends much of its time living in the past, either because of a fear of the future or a frustration with the present. And so, nothing measures up to when things were like they used to be. Or you might be one who constantly beats yourself up over every little thing, or seeks too often the approval of others. You might suffer at the whim of your feelings, unable or unwilling to control your thought life. You may carry the weight of procrastination and dread, or struggle to keep your commitments. These and a thousand other causes are part of a fallen world’s “hina,” intended to rob us of our joy and sever our relationship with the living God. But what is within you, and that which comes your way today, has an eternal “hina” intended for your good and God’s glory. So go forth with that purpose, and fulfill your heavenly destiny.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let all that affects you, and all that you affect, be for the joyous purposes that Jesus intended for you.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
