|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "All Through The Night"1
(Lyrics) |
In the autumn, we managed to clear some of our financial liabilities for the house. This has enabled us, for the first time in a number of years, to have some financial headroom. So, I took Caroline out to visit the local jewellers to buy something as a token and celebration of our thirty years of marriage and love.
We tried various jewellers, but I felt that what we found for Caroline was not really rocking her boat. It seemed to me that she found it hard to be extravagant in buying something for herself. Decades of struggling financially can do that to you.
I felt led to come off the side-streets and go into the shopping mall, so we entered a high-class jeweller. When Caroline tried on one of the simple gold bracelets, we could see immediately that this was the one in which she delighted. The shop assistant noted that Caroline displayed an instant and a completely different reaction to its predecessors. The joy in the moment would be something that she will treasure.
Using parables, Jesus repeatedly proclaimed the joy that comes with the good news of the kingdom of God.
Matthew 13:44 – The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (ESV)
Luke 15:9-10 – And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost." Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (ESV)
In an agrarian culture, Jesus gave the revelation of God's joy in everyday parables that were easily understood, for those who would listen and accept the truth of the message hidden within. Over the decades, I have studied the parables and still I delight in their directness to those who have an ear to hear. They provide a challenge to all who listen — including me!
It is as if Jesus were saying to us, "Do you really get it: the importance of what I am about? Wake up, smell the coffee, and comprehend what I am doing in words, proclamation, and action of what has been prophesied centuries before. Salvation is only through Me, Jesus."
In heaven, if not at present, Jesus is the bringer of joy for those who will accept Him. In return, we can know the gift of salvation and inner peace right now, and we can also look forward to eternity, when there is joy in heaven for all who dare to trust in His unfailing love for us.
When we say, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus," I believe that He does, bringing gifts.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may our joy be real and our thanks open-hearted as we go forward with You in this new year, giving You everything in order to gain a greater prize. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share on Facebook
About the author:
Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Send your feedback to the author
Bingo! Blessings.
Thanks for the good word, Rod. Have a great week.
Thanks for today’s good word! He is where the joy is! God is good.
Keep writing.
Thank you, Rod, for a touching story in your personal life but the beautiful thought of our joy bringer.
Hi Rod, Thank you for the reminder to be careful where we store our treasures the Eternal for the temporal.
Amen Rod.
Glad to hear that things are going better for both of you financially. Praise God.
Blessings.
Good morning, Rod,
Much appreciated!
“When we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus,” I believe that He does, bringing gifts.” I agree! He brings us gifts every day – visible and invisible gifts. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all your gifts.
Thank you, Rod, for your good analogy highlighting “joy” in your devotional today. Nice to hear that you have been relieved of some financial weights and that Caroline was gifted with extra joy celebrating thirty years of marriage. Joy is a very special happening in our daily lives and the joy we can experience by receiving Jesus in our lives is truly exceptional. Blessings for these writings you prepare for the devotional program.
Dear Rod,
I always enjoy your messages and it is special for me to receive a message from someone in England. Congratulations on your special celebration of overcoming some of your financial challenges. How we need to remember and have joy in our hearts as we count our blessings.
The Lord has provided in marvelous ways, and we have so many blessings to count in giving us joy. Blessings.
Hi Rod,
It is 19 Fahrenheit here and my husband and I and the dog and cat are sitting in front of the fireplace.
Your devotional for today has just been read and I smiled at the story of you and Caroline and the bracelet. Years ago I had saved some money. One of the nice jewelry stores was going out of business. I told my husband that I wanted to go there to look at some earrings. We found the earrings and while they were being “processed” my husband began talking to the manager about who knows what. I was strolling around the store and was looking at diamond rings. When we were ready to leave, my husband walked over to me and said, “Do you like that one?” I said of course I did, and he said, “Buy it.” Believe me…never in our then 50plus years of marriage at the time has he said or done anything like that. So very grateful that you and Caroline can see some light at the end of one tunnel!
And besides that I appreciate your devotional.
Thank you, Rod. Praise God for the joy and the gifts He brings.