The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith
Week 11: Chapter 10 — God Is Joyful
Read Chapter 10 of The Good and Beautiful God. Key Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 15:1-10; Hebrews 12:2.
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Perhaps the most countercultural claim in this entire book is that God is not stern, not grimly patient, but genuinely, exuberantly joyful — and that his joy is often directed at you.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Smith suggests that most people, if they are honest, picture God as patient but not particularly delighted — tolerant rather than joyful. Where did that image come from in your own formation? What would have to change in your picture of God for him to seem genuinely happy?
2.Zephaniah 3:17 describes God 'rejoicing over you with singing.' Smith calls this one of the most astonishing verses in the Old Testament. What does it do to you — emotionally, not just intellectually — to sit with the image of God singing over you? What makes it easy or difficult to receive?
3.In Luke 15, Jesus tells three back-to-back parables about things that are lost and found — a sheep, a coin, a son. Each one ends with a party. Smith points out that heaven itself erupts in joy over one sinner who repents. What does this say about what God values most? About what moves him most deeply?
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