We don’t rejoice over what we have like we rejoice over finding what we lost. I think this is part of our made-in-His-image nature. In other words, it’s a God thing and this is an underlying theme throughout Luke 15.
For the sinner who repents there is rejoicing in heaven. Can you imagine it? Heaven rejoiced when you got saved. Heaven threw a party when your mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son, husband, friend, neighbor got saved! This is who God the Father is. He rejoices when the lost are found and He wants His friends to rejoice with Him.
Are you that friend of God? When was the last time you cried tears of joy watching a sinner walk an aisle for salvation? Or shook a hand to congratulate a new convert?
Years ago I posted the following on Facebook, as a way of celebrating my spiritual birthday!
Well today is my Birthday! I know, you're going to say that my FB profile says that my Birthday is June 26. You see I have 2 birthdays and today's birthday is the one that really matters! 35 years ago today I was born again! Facebook really should add an option for a second birthday!! Or I could just change my Birthday on FB to be 10-5-81. Then I'd be just 35!!! Happy Birthday to me!! 🎂🎉🎊
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12
I was overwhelmed at the response of my Christian friends and family rejoicing with me. I felt so loved! I am so thankful for the day I got saved! I’ll never forget it. In fact, I rejoice in it and plan to do so for all of eternity!!
A friend told me how their mom celebrated their spiritual birthdays each year after each child trusted Christ. I love that! This is bringing a little piece of Heaven to earth.
I remember when our oldest granddaughter trusted Christ. She wanted to call everyone to tell them. She could not wait to get baptized and was so happy when she did! We made her a spiritual birth certificate so that she would always remember the day she got saved.
The sheep, the coin, the son. There is always rejoicing when the lost are found. And this is how it should be.
“And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.”
Luke 15:9
Loser Bible Study Series Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated “lost” in Luke 15:9, our verse for today.