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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
Complete Joy: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” 1 John 1:3-4 (NIV)
Have you ever shared some good news with a friend so they can rejoice with you? Families of high school graduates usually have open house parties to honor the work of the teens. Newly married couples have receptions to greet their friends. Brides-to-be and mothers-to-be receive shower gifts to help them being new chapters of their lives.
We sometimes have to share news that is not especially good. But we know that when we do it, we have someone who will be there for us and mourn with us, if need be. A lady in our church has a son who was a Cancer patient in another state. Our prayer group recently prayed for him and his wife and children. Then we prayed over her. It was a holy time. I have since heard that the son has gone to be with Jesus.
I am reminded of an adage:” Happiness, when shared is doubled; sadness, when shared, is halved.” I believe this is a saying that originated in Europe. I have tried to practice this message most of my adult life.
John wanted to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and let those who heard that news share in the feeling of joy that revelation brought to them. When we share Christ with another person we have a new relationship with that person.
Everlasting Joy: The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11 (NIV)
This passage speaks of those who have been redeemed by the Lord returning to their homeland. Knowing that the prophet Isaiah speaks of near prophecies and distant ones, as well, I see both here. I see these words speaking of those in bondage returning from Babylon. The older people had fond memories of their homeland. The younger ones would be excited to return to the land of their parents and grandparents. They had heard all the stories about Jerusalem and the temple. They probably knew all the songs their ancestors sang. As they got closer to Jerusalem, then might have raised their voices in songs of God’s comfort and His love.
I also see this passage speak of those who enter heaven. They will be singing and they will hear songs as they approach the gates. They will be extremely joyful. They will have no sorrow. There will be nothing to be sad about. They have entered into their peace.
We sometimes lose a person to heaven and it is a sudden loss. Other times when we lose them, we expect it; we have to have joy when this happens. Joy because, if the person knew Christ, he or she is in heaven. Joy because he or she will no longer be in pain.
Dear Lord God; Please be with all those who loved ones and friends who have gone to heaven. Wrap Your arms around those who grieve; draw them close to You. Whisper words of comfort, love, and kindness into their ears. We will give You the praise. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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