What the Bible says about Rejoice in the Lord
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Deuteronomy 16:15 uses an even stronger phrase in relation to rejoicing and the feasts: "so that you [shall, KJV] surely rejoice." The wording is so strong we might be misled into thinking it is to be one big blast! Make no mistake, He desires us to rejoice, but He wants us to rejoice with purpose. If we are not rejoicing with His purpose in mind, we will have merely titillated our senses.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Preparing for the FeastRelated Topics: Feast of Tabernacles | Praise | Praising God | Rejoice | Rejoice in the Lord | Rejoicing
The Israelite set aside the second tithe throughout the year and consumed it at the annual holy festivals of God for whatever his heart desired. This means that he spent the tithe on things that enhanced his glorifying of God or added joy to the feast.
The same applies to our use of second tithe today. Unlike the use of first tithe, the individual who saves second tithe should use it. God wants His people to enjoy the physical abundance He provides at the feasts as they worship Him and learn to reverence and fear Him in ways that please Him. Because of His blessing, many can also help others observe the feasts.
Martin G. Collins
Tithing: Second TitheRelated Topics: Feast of Tabernacles | Joy | Rejoice | Rejoice in the Lord | Rejoicing | Second Tithe | Tithe, Second | Tithing | Tithing, Principles of
There will be everlasting joy when God's Kingdom is established on earth. Joy and gladness are not only deep inward feelings, but they are also expressed in visible celebration when God's people gather together. Speaking of the future church, Isaiah 60:15 says, "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations." In the meantime, the apostle Paul advises us to "rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
Martin G. Collins
JoyRelated Topics: God's Kingdom | Joy | Kingdom of God | Kingdom of God, Established on Earth | Rejoice | Rejoice in the Lord | Rejoicing