Studying the Bible on our porch on a mid‑spring afternoon, I sit in the soft light as the sun slips through the foliage on its way down the western sky. The ceiling fan turns lazily overhead, sending a gentle breeze across my face and bald head. 😊
My constant companion, Jack — our big Aussie puppy — is asleep at my feet. The air carries the sweet scent of jasmine blooms surrounding our front‑yard propane tank. From opposite corners of the property, northern cardinals call out their bright cheer‑cheer‑cheer (don’t be impressed; I have a bird‑ID app).
Just outside our porch door, the rhythmic murmur of water flowing over rocks in our man‑made mountain stream settles my soul.
I turn my thoughts back to scripture where I’ve been researching the drink offering, an ancient sacrifice of liquids to the Lord.
The Drink Offering
The other lamb you shall offer at twilight, and shall offer with it the same grain offering and the same drink offering as in the morning, for a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord (Exodus 29:41).
The drink offering signified dedication and consecration to the Lord as an act of worship. Something valuable, like wine, was poured out unto the Lord.
I’m interested in the drink offering because of something Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Philippi. In this letter Paul speaks of joy when it comes to being poured out in loving service to his friends.
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me (Philippians 2:17-18).
Just reading this brings me joy and hope in the fact that God’s eternal attributes transcend our circumstances.
Paul’s love for his spiritual children was so great that he was willing to give up his life for the higher goal of their growth in following Christ. Loving them this way gave him great joy, regardless of what he was facing, being in prison as he wrote.
And he knew the Philippian believers would experience the same joy as they wholeheartedly surrendered themselves in like manner in loving like Christ, regardless of what they might be facing. And we will as well.
Paul Learned it from Jesus
In the same chapter of his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges believers to follow Jesus in His example of obedient sacrificial love, even to the point of death.
He wrote: Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-9).
Christ, though equal with God, made Himself of no reputation in order to empty Himself out. He was obedient even to death for the sake of our souls.
This is the heart attitude Paul is encouraging us to have: being willing to pour ourselves completely out for the sake of those God has placed around us, and to love others as He’s loved us.
Jesus Showed the Way
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus took the disciples’ feet and washed them, even those of Judas and Peter, whom He knew would betray and deny Him.
Afterwards, He told them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
The new command Christ leaves us with is to love others as He has loved us. He showed this love by washing stinky feet and then dying on a cross for our sins.
Displaying this deep, sacrificial love of Jesus is how we’re to serve others, but we can’t love this way apart from abiding in Jesus. In fact, if we try, our efforts will be worthless. [1]
Love is a fruit of His Holy Spirit. [2] When we abide in His love and yield to His Spirit, we’re loving those He brings our way with His love.
The results, as well shall see, are astounding — remaining in His Love, complete Joy.
Prayer
Lord, receiving Your love and giving it away can never happen without the work of Your Spirit within me. Apart from You, I can do nothing. I don’t want to get in the way anymore. I desire to pour myself out for the spreading of Your love and joy.
Please keep me from focusing only on my duties. May the people You bring my way be my highest priority. May I love them with Your love and share with them the joy of faith in You.
Amen.
Reflections
When pouring out a liquid, unless it’s into another container, we surrender it. There’s no gathering it back. This is to be the posture of my surrender.
As I lay aside my own interests, the Holy Spirit invites me to join in a dance of love and joy. Rejoicing in my relationship with Jesus and the overflowing of His love to others, I can be freed from the pursuit of my own happiness.
I love what Jesus told His disciples shortly after He washed their feet.
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (John 15:9-12)
He tells us to remain in His love by loving others as He’s loved us. And when we do, His complete Joy is available to us.
Though many duties await us each day, we’re called to something higher — love.
As we perform our tasks, as we work to repair the brokenness around us, God will lead us to the people He wants us to love.
If completing our duties is our main priority, these people may seem like obstacles. However, in reality people are our priority, and loving them produces an eternal joy which far outweighs our circumstances.
Even if we’re called to be poured out as drink offerings for the people God calls us to love, we can do so with great joy.
Lord, who do you want to love through me today?
Quote
“You do not pour your life into your work; your work is the overflow of your life,” Oswald Chambers
[1] John 15:5
[2] Galatians 5:22-23
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all referenced Scripture is from the NASB 1995 Version of the Bible.
Other posts in our Everlasting Way Series:
Learning How to Overcome Emotional Numbness
Are we More Like Batman or Spider-Man
Transforming Awareness: The Power of God’s Love
Celebrating with Joy – In Memory of a Friend
Loving without Expecting Anything in Return
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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Nonfiction books by the Author:
This collection of devotionals chronicles a heartfelt journey from a life of striving and self-reliance to one of growing surrender and trust in God.
Through personal stories of family struggles, cancer, grief, and unexpected trials, the devotions show that true, unshakeable joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from the constant, loving presence of Jesus Christ.
It’s an invitation to learn to let go of our burdens and find growing peace in God’s greater story.
Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn’t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God’s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.
For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It’s not just a good idea, it’s vital to our journey as human beings. Rhythms of Joy
Novels by the Author:
What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for? Beyond Time
By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowingly set off a series of events which uncovers a plot to wipe out a whole family. Hope Remains
Please Check out the Cola City Podcast . Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.