Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:20:29 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Jan. 24); BP: Lk. 15:1-7; RBTTY: Mt. 15:21-39; Ex.
January 24 “Rejoicing”
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me—for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repents, more than 99 just persons who need no repentance’.”
Luke 15:6-7
If it brings the Father and the angels joy, shouldn’t it do the same for us?
“Rejoicing.”
Someone once said, “Happiness is dependent upon circumstances; one minute you’re up and the next minute you’re down. But, joy is from the Lord and dependent upon His faithfulness and promises.”
Isn’t that a beautiful definition?
Think of it: What makes us happiness “in the flesh?”
We know, don’t we? Having lots of money. . .designer-label clothes. . .“hot” cars. . . the latest in technological gadgets. . .big houses filled with expensive furnishings. . . front-row seats to the finals of our favorite sporting event. . .that big buck or bass that didn’t get away, etc.
But, as the definition said, all of those are dependent upon our circumstances.
One minute we have them. The next minute they’re gone. The flesh’s “Three Terrors” (Rust, Rot and Robbers—Mt. 6:19-20) constantly lurk in the shadows, looking for an opportunity to do their thing—knowing that sooner or later they’ll have their way.
However, true “joy”—that which springs from the Father’s heart—is eternal and is “incorruptible, undefiled and fades not away” (I Pet. 1:4a) and is “reserved in Heaven for us” (v.4b). Hallelujah!!
In the context of today’s Manna this joy arises when “that which was lost is found” (vv.6b, 9b, 24). Even though we know Jesus’ parable talks about a “lost sheep, lost coin and lost son” (vv.4, 8, 24), we know Jesus is talking about anyone who’s yet to experience the Father’s redeeming love. And, like the prodigal son, even when we’re already a member of God’s Family, it’s still possible to be “lost” to His blessings, close relationship, joy, etc., through our sins of commission and omission.
Oh, dear Pilgrim, can you remember when you were “lost”—far, far away from God and “without hope in this world” (Eph. 2:12)? Can you remember the empty loneliness and deep sense of longing that constantly filled your every waking moment?
But, then, Jesus—the Seeking Savior—found you. . .forgave you. . .took away your guilt and shame. . .clothing you with His “robe of righteousness, ring of Sonship and shoes of service” (v.22). From the depths of depravity, He lifted you up to the heights of ecstasy. From death, He ushered you into eternal life. From deep darkness, He carried you into the warmth of His loving Light. Isn’t that reason to rejoice? And, isn’t that good reason to try and rescue those who are still “lost” to Him? May the Holy Spirit lead us today to someone who needs Him so we can make Jesus and the angels rejoice.
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