Party On! (Matthew 13:20)

Matthew 13:20 says, (speaking of the seed scattered on the rock), that the person "... hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it..."

[This study is focused, not so much on the specific context of this passage of scripture, but the word "joy" that is used within this passage.]

Words change significantly in meaning with the passage of time, however, words that are rooted in scripture, maintain the foundation of their original meaning, that color every aspect of their use.

JOY

There are two different sources to consider, when disclosing the origins of this interesting word:

1) In the Greek, what is significant about this word, is that etymologically, it is derived from the word translated "rejoice", from which the word "grace" also  finds it's origin.

Not that it is all inclusive in meaning, but the basic concept, is that we experience true "joy" as a result of "rejoicing", and we do not "rejoice" because we have "joy".

'Joy' is a noun, while 'rejoicing' is a verb. The condition or state of joy, can be produced in our lives, by the action of rejoicing. [Hence one of the significant purposes of praise and worship].

[This obviously relates to "grace" as well. - (which has the true meaning of strength; power; ability, and not as it is so often misrepresented,  as unmerited favor, which is more related to "mercy" ) - One of the ways in which God's grace  is demonstrated, or accessed, in our life, is through "rejoicing" (i.e., praise)]

REJOICING

The emotional experience of "joy" is a result of the action of "rejoicing".

The story is told of the reluctant piano student, who when responding to his very accomplished instructor, as to why he didn't practice his piano lesson from last week, replied, "I just didn't feel like it". The seasoned musician, in wisdom, replied, " Listen closely, and don't ever forget it - emotion follows motion!" Heeding that revelation, the student went on to become an accomplished pianist in his own right.

The story is true, and so is the insight, that "emotion FOLLOWS motion", as the action of rejoicing can produce the emotion of joy, though none existed previous to the action.

[It is also interesting to note, that in Greek literature referencing paganism, and the worship of other gods, outside of Christianity and the Jewish tradition, the words for "joy", and "rejoicing", are almost non-existent.]

2) In the Hebrew, the word for "joy" finds its roots in the very unusual meaning of "to shine". The imagery of the word is derived from celebrations, such as were common in the Ancient Near East, where guests, upon entering the home of the host, were anointed, on their face and head, with perfumed ointment, as part of the festivities, and as a distinction of honor. 

The effect of this anointing was not only a soothing relief, from the hot and humid climate, but a pleasing, fragrant aroma, that filled the room, from the pleasant ointment, and caused the face of the guest "to shine". [Today, we would identify this with a very costly perfume or cologne.] Though not specifically stated, the ointment also would have had the masking effect of covering the unpleasant odor from those heavily perspiring from the heat.

CELEBRATIONS

Therefore, the imagery surrounding this word group, is founded in celebrations. In Hebrew culture, these celebrations were related to harvests; sacrifices; deliverance from enemies; installment of the king; and all of these celebrations, were expressions of thanks to God, for His involvement in the lives of His people. 

These celebrations were not conservative or reserved, but were marked by music; dancing; singing; and general merriment that typifies the act of rejoicing. Today, we would describe these events as "parties"!

In our praise and worship services, to borrow from the imagery, the Holy Spirit's sweet fragrance fills the room, masking the unseemly odors and producing a pleasant aroma among all, as we "party", rejoicing in who He is and what He has done,  and we all experience the joy of His presence.  

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.