Jesus sent out His twelve disciples to every city. He told them to preach that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. He gave them power to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. And after a long list of encouragements and warnings for their trip, He added this… “You shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man is come” – (Matthew 10:23).
What anticipation they must have had on their trip! “When will He meet us?” Where will He surprise us?” And this is an aspect of love that delights in delighting the heart of others – the element of surprise. David wrote of this characteristic of God in anticipating help from enemies… “The God of my mercy shall prevent me (lit: go before me to surprise me)” – (Psalm 59:10).
Even though Jesus had told His disciples He would rise again the third day, they couldn’t grasp it. The morning that He arose, He must have delighted in watching the women look into the tomb. And when Mary wept outside the tomb, how big was the smile on His face when He said, “Mary.”
Then He walked beside two other disciples until they reached their destination and invited Him in. “And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave to them.” Suddenly their eyes were opened, and they knew Him! They had seen Him do that before. How big was the smile on His face, and the delight in His eyes, as He handed them the bread?
But lastly, He appeared, the door being shut, to the other disciples that night. And think how it must have delighted His heart to know He would nearly stop theirs? He must have enjoyed every second of their shock and wonder. Love does that.
The Lord delights in His goodness to us, in His answers to prayer and daily blessings of grace. But the moment we await with greatest anticipation is the moment we hear His shout. Don’t think we’re the only ones excited. The Lord has had this moment planned and anticipated for far longer than we have. The greatest delight, when He delights our hearts, will be His.
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