GOD’S WORD FOR  MAY 24

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

ROLE MODELS

Luke 15:10

“There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

D.L. MOODY

“Joy in the PRESENCE of angels?”  Perhaps the friends who have left the shores of time may be looking down upon us;  and when they see someone they prayed for a while on Earth turning to God, it sends a thrill of joy to their very hearts.  Even now, some mother who has gone up yonder may be looking down upon a son or daughter, and if that child should say:  “I will meet that  mother of mine;  I will decide for God.”  The news, with the speed of a sunbeam, reaches heaven, and that mother may then rejoice, as we read.  “In the presence of angels.”

ERWIN LUTZER

Throughout the world today, I believe there will be tens of thousands of people who will believe on Christ in repentance and faith, and every single one of them is going to cause a cosmic celebration.

We don’t know if the joy Jesus referred to in this passage is that of redeemed saints or the angels rejoicing.  Although angels will never be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, they rejoice in our salvation, totally free of all jealousy, and one-upmanship.  You see, angels were created individually.  Angels have no relatives; they are not part of a family and will never be a brother to Christ, yet they rejoice in our salvation and are fascinated by our redemption.  (See 1 Peter 1:10-12 below).

The angels rejoice at the news of a new convert, but do we also share in that joy?  Many  Christians are like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal who don’t rejoice over a wayward sinner who returns and receives all the blessings and privileges of sonship.

Are you a joyful Christian?  Do you rejoice over a sinner who repents?

PRAYER

Father, I give thanks for my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Please give me the joy of introducing a wayward sinner into Your kingdom.

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1Peter 1:10-12

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,  seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

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Matthew 18:10:

“Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

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Revelation 5:11-12

 “The angels and living creatures praise the Lamb, celebrating salvation.”

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Hebrews 1:14

 “Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.”

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Psalm 68:17

 “The chariots of God are tens of thousands, and the Lord has come from Sinai to His sanctuary.”

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Psalm 20:5

We will sing for joy over your victory,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

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Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

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