THE JOY OF SALVATIONSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord will be your refuge, when you seek Him diligently. The Bible says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” ( 2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow produces repentance, which leads to salvation. Perhaps, you may be yearning for the salvation of your family for a long time! Do not be disheartened because our loving Lord is going to answer all your prayers.
In the Bible, we read about an interesting man named Zacchaeus. When he came to know that Jesus was visiting his town, he wished to have a glance at Him. He believed that He would give him and his household, the salvation. So, he ran ahead and climbed up on a Sycamore tree to see Him. The Lord knew his heart.
When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him. He said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Instantly, he came down and received Him joyfully. But, when the people around him saw that, they all complained saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
The Lord recognized the thirst in his heart and He went to his house to fill him with divine peace and joy. He blessed him and the members of his family by telling them, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:1-10).
In the same way, when you seek the Lord with the real thirst in your heart, He will come to your house too and offer you and your family the joy of salvation. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” He knows pretty well about your needs and the longings of your heart. He is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
There was a sister, who underwent a lot of afflictions in her family life. Her husband was addicted to alcohol. His daily routine was to drink, thrash his wife and children, eat and sleep. But, his wife loved the Lord exceedingly even in that situation. Keeping the Lord as her refuge she fasted, prayed and clung on to Him.
One night, when her husband was fast asleep, he had a dream. He saw a very bright light and in the midst of the light he viewed the picture of the cross. The Lord Jesus was hanging on the cross with bruises all over His body. He fell at the feet of the Lord and cried, “Lord, I am a sinner. You were bruised for my sake. Forgive me Lord!” He committed his life to Jesus completely.
When he woke up, he went straight to his wife and said, “Forgive me! I have beaten you and our children several times.” That was the day in which he received the joy of His salvation! Just imagine how much of joy and happiness would have been there in that family.
Dear friend, the Lord, who heard her prayers, would listen to your prayer also. When you come closer to the cross and seek refuge in the shadow of the crucified Christ, He would surely give the gladness of liberation for you and for everyone in your family. He will make you all rejoice!
Prayer:
Almighty God,
You have sent Your only begotten Son to be bruised for my sins. Forgive me and grant me today the peace and joy that I may drink from the well of salvation and rejoice in my spirit. Create in me a thirst to seek You diligently and to be a blessing to my family and others. Guide me throughout this day.
In Jesus’ matchless name, I pray.
Amen.
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