1. There Let Be Joy John 16 2012 Theme: “Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)

2. Jesus promised them joy
Joy through transformation NOT substitution (John 16:16-22)
A mother giving birth
“The Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing” (Deut 23:5; Neh 13:2)
Joseph, Israel in Egypt, David, Jesus

3. …they did not understand
“A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:16; compare 20:17; 16:10)
The disciples saw Jesus in glory (Rev 6:9-11)
As for us: “For yet a little while, & He that shall come will come, & will not tarry” (Heb 10:37)

4. …illustrating the promise
Israel left in pain – Egypt rejoiced (Psa 105:38)
Jesus died in pain – the world rejoiced
Israel & Christ had sorrow transformed into joy
Early Christians too (Acts 8:8; 5:41; 1 Pet 4:12-13)

5. …the promise to us
We await the coming of Jesus Christ as a friend awaits the bridegroom (Matt 9:15).
It only seems like a long wait (2 Peter 3).
Wait patiently for Jesus to transform your sorrow into joy.