Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 9, 2014
A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead…for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:9, 11
We can live a ‘drive thru dining’ life that rushes from one activity to the next, or we can live a ‘sit down dinner’ life that enjoys the caring company of others. It’s especially meaningful to celebrate special occasions: graduations, anniversaries, birthdays (both physical and spiritual), work promotions and successful surgeries, to name a few. We celebrate life when we show our gratitude for the Lord’s blessings. We take the time to honor God for His bounteous provision and healing.
Mary understood how to celebrate the gift of life. She took her best–her all, and gave it to Jesus. Her glee and gratitude could not be contained for her brother Lazarus was alive, raised by God. Without inhibition and in the face of fierce criticism from a family member, she lavished her love on the Lord. The death and resurrection of Lazarus became the harbinger of her symbolic anointing of Jesus for His burial. A celebration of life points to the giver of life; Jesus Christ.
“They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7).
A life lived well celebrates well. What has the Lord done in your life that invites a celebratory occasion? Perhaps you use this time to tell your story of God’s faithfulness, and as an opportunity to raise funds for a worthy charity. Recounting Christ’s blessings blesses others. Open your home to honor a friend who has been healed, or pay tribute to a new believer who has been raised to walk in newness of life in Christ. Life celebrations memorialize your heavenly Father’s favor.
Some will scoff when we spend time and money to commemorate Christ. But their small view of God misses the point of creating unique ways to glorify God. For out of our great gratitude to the Lord, others are drawn to the Lord. Just as many believed in Jesus because of Lazarus’ testimony, so many will believe in Jesus because of our testimony. Others take notice when we celebrate our life blessed by the Lord. We anoint Jesus as our Lord when we give all we have to Jesus. Christ is our celebration. He is the reason we are rowdy with joy. Yes, celebrate when a soul is saved!
“Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:23-24).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, slow me down to celebrate Your faithfulness. Use my joy to bring others to faith in Jesus.
Related Readings: Psalm 2:11, 89:16; Isaiah 30:29; Matthew 26:18; Revelation 11:10
Post/Tweet today: Out of our great gratitude to the Lord others are drawn to the Lord.. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
