“And [at the same time] Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and confidently, saying, “It was necessary that God’s message [of salvation through faith in Christ] be spoken to you [Jews] first. Since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, now we turn to the Gentiles. For that is what the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, So that You may bring [the message of eternal] salvation to the end of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying [praising and giving thanks for] the word of the Lord; and all those who had been appointed (designated, ordained) to eternal life [by God] believed [in Jesus as the Christ and their Savior].” (Acts 13:46-48 AMP)
The closing subscription I use for each meditation is “Be Blessed!” In business letters, I end them with a closing compliment such as, “Kindest best regards.” There are multiple ways I end a letter to a believer and it probably depends on the recipient. Also, the situation at hand and the subject matter discussed in the body of the letter after an affectionate salutation, determines if I write, for example, “Faithfully yours,” “Your fellow servant in the Lord,” “Be steadfast and immoveable,” “Peace and blessings,” or “Praying on your behalf.”
A faithful Deacon that serves at our church always uses the same closing, “Rejoice!” When you think about the verse above, it looks like there is an order of things. In that order, we see the speaking of a message from the Lord, the receiving of the message, rejoicing, and giving thanks for the word, and people believing and being saved. From a local church perspective, wouldn’t it be nice if attendees in the service, after hearing the sermon, rejoiced because of the word spoken by God’s messenger. Wouldn’t rejoicing have a better effect upon the unsaved in attendance; more so than starting to gather our personal belonging; promptly closing our Bibles, and putting on our coats? I think so! I think many will gain eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Will this “rejoice = many being saved” formula, so to speak, work in our individual lives too? I think it will! So whether you are on the sanctuary of the street, let people see you as one who has reason to rejoice. Lose the frown and replace it with a smile! Get rid of that stern and serious look and replace with a peaceful look, that conveys “I’m at ease,” a look brought about by the fact that you know the Savior! This one is for me. Don’t be so busy contemplating on your work, that your facial expression is worthless when it comes to revealing you have reason to rejoice. Stop looking so down and present yourself as someone who has reason to look up! Others will draw near to you instead of intentionally trying to avoid you. Yes, they will want to know why you are always in a good mood. Well, you answer like the Deacon I mentioned, hoping that some will turn to believing in Christ as their Savior. Just say, “Rejoice!” It may lead to further conversation, a convincing conversation, a conveying of the truth conversation that results in someone being saved, either from the penalty of sin or, if already a Christian, the power of sin in their life.
Now, it is Saturday and tomorrow, Sunday, I know you will rejoice in the sanctuary or virtually if your situation dictates that is best for you. Ain’t I right about it? Smile! That’s tomorrow, but throughout the day, let’s accept the challenge and “Rejoice!” Come on somebody! Be blessed!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King