Subversive Joy – The Advantage of Following Yeshua • Joy in the Bible | How to be Joyful | Messianic

In a recent teaching at Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explored the concept of a radical, unwavering joy that distinguishes followers of Yeshua (Jesus Christ), a joy that remains despite life’s difficulties and contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly happiness. This joy, described as “subversive,” cannot be taken away by external circumstances because it is rooted in the promises of God fulfilled in Yeshua.

The Nature of Subversive Joy

The teaching began with an illustration from the movie “Up” to highlight how life unfolds in scenes, with varying emotions, but the overarching story often leads to a happy ending. Similarly, believers in Yeshua possess a deep-seated joy that endures through the different “scenes” of life, even amidst tragedy and uncertainty. This joy is not superficial or dismissive of hardship, but rather a profound confidence in God’s ultimate plan and promises.

This type of joy was evident in the early church, where believers remained steadfast and joyful despite persecution and loss. Their joy was not dependent on their circumstances but on their faith in God and the reality of a new creation through Yeshua. This radical joy stood out and even challenged the prevailing societal norms.

To further illustrate this concept, the speaker used the analogy of a goldfish, which is said to have a very short memory. While not scientifically accurate, the point was that goldfish experience continuous joy because they do not dwell on past negative experiences. In the same way, believers should not be held captive by past hurts or current difficulties but focus on the present reality of God’s love and promises.

Old Testament Hope and the Prophecy of Jeremiah

The teaching then delved into the Old Testament, specifically the prophecy of Jeremiah in chapter 33. This section of Jeremiah speaks of hope following prophecies of doom and judgment upon Judah for their unfaithfulness. Even as the Babylonian empire surrounded Jerusalem and the future looked bleak, God promised to fulfill his good promises to Israel and Judah.

The prophecy specifically mentions God raising up a righteous branch from the lineage of King David. This promise came at a particularly dark time when Zedekiah, the last king from David’s line, was captured, his sons were executed, and he was taken into exile after his eyes were gouged out. The temple was destroyed, and Jerusalem was in ruins, seemingly ending the Davidic dynasty and any hope for the future.

In this context of utter loss and despair, Jeremiah proclaimed that God’s promises would still be fulfilled. Despite the apparent end of the line of David and the destruction of Jerusalem, God would act in a surprising way. This message served as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest chapters of life, God’s promises remain true and his story is not over. The “Zedekiah moment,” a time of seeming finality and loss, is not the ultimate conclusion.

The promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7, that his descendants would sit on the throne forever, was a key element of this hope. Jeremiah’s prophecy reaffirmed that God is a promise-keeper and that his plans for peace, righteousness, and justice would ultimately prevail.

New Testament Fulfillment in Yeshua

The teaching transitioned to the New Testament and the arrival of Yeshua, who is presented as the fulfillment of God’s promises to David. The Gospel of Matthew begins by establishing Jesus as “the son of David.” The angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke proclaims “good news of great joy for all the people” because a Savior, the Messiah (the anointed king), has been born in the town of David.

This “great joy” stems from the realization that God has kept his promises through Yeshua. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:15 describe this as an “indescribable gift.” Yeshua’s eternal reign brings infinite peace, justice, and righteousness, confirming that God is indeed a God who keeps his promises.

2 Corinthians 1:20 is highlighted as a crucial verse, stating, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” Through Yeshua, the “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God, signifying our agreement and affirmation of these promises. The Message Bible paraphrase is also referenced, stating, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the yes of Jesus.” Our role is to hold onto these promises with hope and joy, anticipating the “Amen.”

The concept of Advent, a time of waiting and anticipation for the arrival of Jesus, mirrors the Old Testament expectation for the Messiah. Just as the counting of the Omer during Sukkot anticipates the outpouring of the Spirit, Advent is a time to hold onto the joy and hope found in God’s promises, knowing their fulfillment in Christ.

Therefore, the subversive joy of believers is rooted in the certainty of God’s fulfilled promises in Yeshua. Even when the world seems chaotic or dark, this joy provides peace and contentment. Difficult times are seen as “Zedekiah moments”—chapters in the story, not the end. Because God made a promise fulfilled in Yeshua, believers can have unwavering joy, peace, and hope. This joy was not given by the world and cannot be taken away by it.

Application for Everyday Life

• Hold fast to joy: Despite challenging circumstances, actively choose to hold onto the joy that comes from knowing God’s promises are fulfilled in Yeshua.
• Be a “goldfish”: Don’t dwell on past hurts or disappointments. Focus on the present reality of God’s love and the hope for the future found in Christ.
• Remember God’s promises: Regularly recall and meditate on God’s promises in Scripture, knowing that they are “Yes” in Yeshua.
• See trials as temporary scenes: Understand that difficult times are like scenes in a movie; they are not the end of the story. God’s good promises will ultimately prevail.
• Live out your joy, hope, and peace: Let the joy, hope, and peace that come from your faith in Yeshua be visible to the world around you.
• Embrace reconciliation and sacrificial love: Put aside ego and pride, connect with others, and show them who your King is through acts of love and reconciliation.
• Trust in God’s provision: Even during transitional periods, remember that God is working and providing.

For more Bible Teachings, click the link.

References

• Jeremiah 33
• 2 Samuel 7
• Matthew 1
• Luke 2
• 2 Corinthians 9:15