This post is Day 8 in a series of studies about “Joy”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Joy – Day 8

Sadly there are believers in churches who react like the elder brother in this story, and do not rejoice when young believers experience rapid spiritual growth. There are also many who think that spiritual gifts stopped with the disciples. Thankfully the experiences of many others tell us a different story.

Luke 15:5-6

When he finds the lost sheep he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says “rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”

The Thought

We can understand the joy of this shepherd who went a long way to look for the lost sheep and threw a party when he returned home with the recovered animal. But the following verse tells us that there is often rejoicing in Heaven too, confirming that angelic hosts are watching what happens on the earth. There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents that over ninety nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7).

Luke must have wanted to really get his message about rejoicing across to his readers, because this chapter also tells us of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) finishing with there is rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents.

Finally in this same chapter Luke tells us about the lost son, but with much more detail than the lost sheep or the lost coin. Whole books have been written about that parable, which is full of important pictures for the church today.

Sadly there are believers in churches who react like the elder brother, and do not rejoice when young believers experience rapid spiritual growth. There are also many who think that spiritual gifts stopped with the disciples. Thankfully the experiences of many others tell us a different story.

Action

Rejoice today that God’s Spirit has not stopped moving on the earth. Rejoice for the surprises that The Lord is continuing to bring across the earth for people in all walks of life.

Praise God with the angels in Heaven who are rejoicing today for the new believers. Pray for revival in your area or your community. Ask God where you should get involved.

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