“We are Christ’s instruments of joy to reveal grace and truth to needy souls.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 25, 2024
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Luke 10:21
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and joy over God’s revelation of truth. His joy exploded in thanksgiving to His Heavenly Father. Knowledge of The Holy is hidden from the intellectually proud but is revealed to the humble in heart. Self-proclaimed sages could not see what babies in the faith came to understand: Jesus Christ was the son of God. Prophets and Kings longed to see and hear from the Messiah, but the meek disciples were the first to experience their Savior Jesus. It is an extraordinary gift to see with eternal eyes what the Lord has for those who love Him.
We pinch ourselves, knowing that through the Holy Spirit, we can know God. Our Heavenly Father is available to show us Himself and reveal His will and ways to us. What conceited scholars miss is that we can receive it through a humble and contrite heart. Our Lord chose us to champion His truth because our human credentials are very modest compared to the surpassing glory of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit reveals what we need to know for today’s decisions. As a sovereign King has control over a country, the Spirit is sovereign over truth’s revelation.
Joy wells up in our hearts and explodes into thanksgiving when we recall the revelation of God. So beautiful to watch Jesus being praised as He rode on a borrowed beast on the road to the Mount of Olives, “The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Luke 19:37-38)
His Spirit convicts us of our need to repent of our sins and receive Christ and His love as the payment of our sins. We rejoice knowing our name is written in heaven. It is an extraordinary blessing to have the assurance of eternal life with the Lord and all those who love Him. Indeed, we thank our Father for the privilege and opportunity to learn how to walk with Jesus and invite others to know Him. We are Christ’s instruments of joy to reveal grace and truth to needy souls. Hear the heartbeat of praise as Charles Spurgeon reflects on this Psalm, “I will praise thee, O Lord” (Psalm 9:1). “Praise should always follow answered prayer; as the mist of earth’s gratitude rises when the sun of heaven’s love warms the ground.” Ah yes! How praise follows answered prayer like the steamy mist after a cooling rain.
How can you express gratitude to God for the forgiveness of your sins? What are some evidences of the joy of the Lord in your life? Praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty are fruits of your joyful heart. You thank Him when you see the smile on the face of a loved one stricken by a stroke, who, unable to speak, can hum hymns and tear up at the reading of God’s word. Oh yes, the revelation of Jesus Christ is extraordinary to those with an eye on their eternal dwelling!
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him” (Psalm 33:1).
Prayer
Lord, let my joy be a song of praise to You. May my heart overflow with gratitude, lifting Your name high in every season, reflecting Your goodness and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What works of God have you witnessed that call for praise and thanksgiving?
Related Reading
Jonah 4:6; Psalm 100:4; Romans 1:21; Philippians 1:3
Worship Resource
Planetshakers: Joy
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