August 18, 2021
A famous fast-food restaurant in our day has trained their workers to respond to any expression of thanks for their service with two words, “My pleasure.” This response catches your attention, for it is not a common phrase. But it is more than that. The culture of this organization is so people-oriented that these two words carry weight. They mean what they’re saying. It is their delight to serve you.
GOD’S PLEASURE
Where did anyone learn to delight in giving, serving, and loving others? It came from one Source: the delight of God.
Satan has worked overtime to convince us that God is miserly and uninterested in us. That He is devious and cannot be trusted. But, like everything Satan whispers to us, this is the exact opposite of God’s nature. And knowing this, changes everything.
Jesus exploded this myth about His Father with His delightful life and truth-filled teaching. One day he spoke to a vast crowd about how they (and we) should view daily needs—the things we worry about constantly. He reminded them to stop worrying about where they would get their food and clothing.
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” (Luke 12:24)
Christ instructs all of us to turn our attention from the mundane needs which He has promised to provide for His children and pursue what is of greater importance.
“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:30-31)
Then, in one of the stunning diamonds that are found everywhere in the Bible for those with eyes to see, Christ proclaimed the truth, not only about God’s provision for us, but His heart.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32, emphasis mine)
He has “chosen gladly” to give us not only our daily needs but the entire, glorious Kingdom of God! It is not only His choice; it is His delight! When you study multiple translations of this “chosen gladly” phrase, you find the following:
“… it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (ESV)
“… your Father delights to give you the kingdom.” (HCSV)
“… it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” (NLT)
As we receive—right now in part and in the future in overwhelming fullness—the riches of God’s Kingdom and express our humble thanks for the wealth we do not deserve, listen carefully.
“My pleasure,” says the Father.
And He means it.
Father, open our minds to the depth of Your goodness, the height of Your love, the breadth of Your generosity. Help us know You so our infant faith can expand. Pry our anxious fingers from the worthless trinkets of this world as we learn to trust in the perfection of Your care. Let us lean back into the arms of Your delight and see the subtle smile on Your as You take pleasure in giving to those You love.
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