Psalm of the Day: Psalm 125:1-5
Wisdom of the Day: Proverbs 4:15-27
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:21-24
We should observe the one instance on record of our Lord Jesus Christ rejoicing. We read, that in "that hour, Jesus rejoiced in spirit." Three times we are told in the Gospels that our Lord Jesus Christ wept. Once only we are told that He rejoiced.
And what was the cause of our Lord's joy? It was the conversion of souls. It was the reception of the Gospel by the weak and lowly among the Jews, when the "wise and prudent" on every side were rejecting it. Our blessed Lord no doubt saw much in this world to grieve Him. He saw the obstinate blindness and unbelief of the vast majority of those among whom He ministered. But when He saw a few poor men and women receiving the glad tiding of salvation, His heart was refreshed. He saw it, and was glad.
Let all Christians mark our Lord's conduct in this matter, and follow His example. They find little in the world to cheer them. They see around them, a vast multitude walking in the broad way that leads to destruction, careless, hardened, and unbelieving. They see a few here and there, and only a few, who believe to the saving of their souls. Let this sight make them thankful. Let them bless God that any at all are converted, and that any at all believe.
We do not sufficiently realize the sinfulness of man. We do not reflect that the conversion of any soul is a miracle, a miracle as great as the raising of Lazarus from the dead! Let us learn from our blessed Lord to be more thankful. There is always some blue sky, as well as black clouds if we will only look for it. Though only a few are saved, we should find reason for rejoicing. It is only through free grace and undeserved mercy, that any are saved at all.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to be a witness so that I may see God use me to convert souls.
Action Plan: Identify the plan that you are most likely to use to share the Gospel. How will you use it today? There are plenty of opportunities to witness, you simply must do it.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
