Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands… (Hebrews 1:7–10)Last night I read of the salvation of a famous person. He had been a wild man whose life had been very sinful, but at retirement he was walking on the beach and God spoke to him. He said it was not an audible voice but inside him and he knew it was God. He was told to give his life to Jesus. At that point he didn’t know who Jesus was, only a swear word, but he soon found out and did what he was told.
Then his life dramatically changed. Many of his friends and associates were amazed. When he was baptized, the pastor abandoned his sermon and invited others to Jesus and do the same. Several hundred people went forward in response!
When I read this, my heart was filled with joy. Then, this morning I read the above description of Jesus that says He was anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. Beyond anything I could experience at the salvation of one person, or several hundred people, Jesus experiences daily the joy of gladness to see the wonder of a changed life.
Curious, I asked AI how many people give their lives to Jesus Christ each day. From a quick research, I was told, “Estimates of people coming to Christ or joining the global Christian faith each day range from 80,000 to 174,000, depending on the source and how conversion or growth is measured.” Even if those numbers are half right, this tells me that the Jesus I love is a joyful person!
Not only that, He is busy in this dark world. Numbers like that are seldom if ever on the daily news, but a huge population is named in God’s book of life. Eternity will not be a few but billions of souls in the family of God.
Jesus, this is a great way to begin a new day, a new month, and a sunny Sunday morning. I had a rough week, emotionally draining and often crying out to You so I could get through it. You turn my heart on the positive, on the work You are doing in the hearts of thousands — and in just one day. Thank You for allowing me to think of that power and glory instead of the messes the media seems to prefer. You are truly an amazing Savior!