Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- March 26, 2012
“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
Grateful Christians take the time to celebrate the recovery of loved ones. It may be a son or daughter who returns from the foreign country of selfish ambition and immoral living. Celebration could be an appropriate occasion to honor a friend who is recovering from abuse or an addiction. Or, a family member after a long battle with cancer or another debilitating disease is on the road to recovery. Recovery calls for celebration!
A call to celebration makes much of the faithfulness of God and the wise choices of the one in recovery. We know in our hearts that heaven deserves the credit for our blessings on earth. Thus, we take the time to give glory to God for His gracious healing of our soul, our emotions and our body. Ultimately, Christ causes a transformation of trust in our heart and mind. He loves us back to a place of rejoicing.
“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” 1 Samuel 2:1
Perhaps you throw a party for a friend who is now following Christ with their wise choices. Invite those who prayed and supported them on their ongoing road to recovery. Consider presenting to the honoree an album with notes of affirmation from those who love and appreciate them. A toast to the Lord’s great love would give glory to the central figure in redemption’s story. He doesn’t give up on those who give up on Him. Jesus loves the lost.
Furthermore, guard your heart from envying or questioning the return of a friend or colleague. Give them the benefit of the doubt—since, by grace, your heavenly Father has given you the benefit of the doubt. Celebrate their coming back to belief and good behavior. Life without celebrations is like a sporting event without a stadium of fans or bands. It’s a big deal when a body’s healed; it’s an even bigger deal when a soul’s saved!
“Moses answered, “We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the LORD.” Exodus 10:9
Lord, what celebration can I initiate on behalf of someone who is on the road to recovery?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 16:15; 2 Samuel 6:21; Psalm 145:7; Romans 12:15
Post/Tweet today: God doesn’t give up on those who give up on Him. #God #grace
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Great message for today. When I first saw the title, it cast a negative view on the email, most likely because of a copycat new movement. I am a traditional AA’er (12 step program) and celebrate 15 years soon.
Thanks for all your post.
Michael
Nashville
AMEN