Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 30, 2014
“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 occasion to honor a friend who is recovering from abuse or addiction. Perhaps a family member is on the road to recovery after a long battle with cancer or another debilitating disease. Recovery calls for celebration!
A call to celebration makes much of God’s faithfulness 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, emotions, and body. Ultimately, Christ causes a transformation of trust in our heart and mind. He loves us back to a place of rejoicing. It’s a big deal when a body is healed; it’s an even bigger deal when a soul is saved!
“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).
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 16:15; 2 Samuel 6:21; Psalm 145:7; Romans 12:15
Taken from the August 30th reading in our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, coming October 1st! Pre-order your copy today.
