ITMDev211029
Christians should reflect Jesus to the world so that all can share in the joy of salvation.
In Luke 15, our Lord Jesus tells three stories. One of them is about a man who had 100 sheep and lost one, another is about a lady who lost a valuable coin, another one is about a father who lost a son, whom we now know as “the prodigal son.” In each case, the story represents salvation. The lost sheep is found, the lost is coin is found, the lost son is found. Each of them pictures a lost soul brought back to God, forgiven and blessed.
And in each story there is a common response. At the end of the story about the lost sheep it says, “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” And then our Lord says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need not repentance.”
In the case of the lost coin, when she found it, she called together her friends and neighbors saying, “Rejoice with me; for I have found the coin which I had lost.” And then our Lord says, “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
In the story of the lost son who was found, the father said to his slaves quickly, “Bring out the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: And bring the fattened calf, kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. And they began to be merry. Now when his older son was in the field: and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.”
In each case there was tremendous joy, tremendous joy. The thing that I want you to note in your mind is that salvation and celebration go together. Salvation and joy belong together. Being made right with God is cause for joy: Joy on the part of God, joy on the part of Christ, joy on the part of the angels, joy on the part of the church, and joy on the part of the one who is redeemed.
What is the goal of the Christian life?
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Sadly, many Christians don’t reach a point of complete reliance on the Lord. The apostle Paul reminds us to fix our eyes on the goal of maturity in Christ (Phil. 3:14). Learning to die to self is painful, but ironically, it’s the only true way to life.
Do you want more peace in your life? Do you want tranquility to be more than just a wish? You can gain true peace but only from one source—God. This read will show you the way to life-changing peace of mind, offering you the tools for resolving past regrets, facing present concerns, and soothing apprehensions about the future.
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