Daily Devotional – Thursday, January 6, 2022
The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
For a parent, separation from one’s children is very painful. A mother will search for her lost child for a lifetime. The pain persists for as long as the offspring is missing. If the child finally returns home, the parent rejoices exceedingly.
Picture God in Eden. He has just lost His precious children to His adversary, Satan. What is the mood in heaven? Sadness looms everywhere. Singing angels hang their harps. The music ceases. It is time to initiate the plan to bring back the lost children.
Rejoicing Over the Returning Prodigal Son
How about the prodigal son? What was the reaction of the father when the wayward lad left home? Did the Father throw his hands in the air in despair? Was there any celebration and shouts of ‘good riddance’? No. The devastated parents kept hoping that their rebellious son would return home one day.
And so it was that when the prodigal son came back home, the father prepared a feast. Everyone in the neighborhood must know the good news. All other activities must stop. It is time to make merry. It is time to sing.
Rejoicing Over the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
The shepherd who recovered his lost sheep and the woman who found her lost coin all celebrated with their neighbours. Jesus used the two parables to teach that, “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10).
Lamb Slain From the Foundation of the World
Back in heaven, the plan of salvation was set in motion. The “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8) came and died on the cross of Calvary. This was another sad moment for the angels. Their helpless commander was beaten, mocked and killed in a shameful manner that dark Friday.
On Sunday morning, though, heaven burst into celebration. Jesus was alive. He had redeemed man from the slavery of Satan and sin. Eternal life was now available for those who believed. There was indescribable joy in heaven.
God the Musician Leads the Celebrations
Did you know God is a musician? When a sinner returns home, into the arms of our loving Father, God bursts into joyful singing. I love Prophet Zephaniah’s description of God the musician:
“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17).
Whenever a sinner repents, God and His angels sing with joy. When Christ shall come to take us home on that glorious day, the celebrations shall exceed previous ones. Then the Choir Master shall be the Lord God Himself.
Make Heaven Throw a Party
How else should a Father welcome his returning precious children home? If you have not surrendered to God, do so today and let heaven throw a party. If you are a member of God’s kingdom, lead another soul to Christ and let the feast begin.
Heavenly Father, thank You because You rejoice with singing when sinners repent and return home.
May Almighty God Pardon us,our Sins and Take us to His Glory.Amen
Indeed, God will forgive us when we return to Him, then rejoice with singing on us.