Luke 15:7 KJV
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
All of us who become believers and strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord eventually become the ninety and nine. When we first get saved and begin to live for Christ it can often seem like there is a celebration going on for us. Everything about the Christian life seems new and it seems so promising and refreshing. But sooner or later, we are the ones left so the shepherd may go out and find other lost sheep.
So what about the ninety and nine? Does God have no real joy in them? Is there no consolation on their behalf? The answer I think may be found in Luke 15:29-32 KJV
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
The elder son would be likened to the ninety and nine. He did not leave, into a life of sin. He did not go lost. When his brother came home and his father celebrated the elder son did not understand. There had never been a celebration for him, though he had done right.
His father told him in verse 31 where the elder was to gain his satisfaction:
Thou art ever with me
What joy a child of God may have if he meditates upon this thought. Ever with God. He is always there; we have access to His throne at any moment.
We have His counsel
We have His company
We have His comfort andWe have it ever with us.
All that I have is thine
We are joint heirs of all that belongs to Christ and all that is Christ. We will share in His glory. Paul said Romans 8:18 KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Growth in spiritual maturity comes about when we get past having to need a celebration and we find instead satisfaction in being with Christ and sharing in His inheritance in heaven.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
All of us who become believers and strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord eventually become the ninety and nine. When we first get saved and begin to live for Christ it can often seem like there is a celebration going on for us. Everything about the Christian life seems new and it seems so promising and refreshing. But sooner or later, we are the ones left so the shepherd may go out and find other lost sheep.
So what about the ninety and nine? Does God have no real joy in them? Is there no consolation on their behalf? The answer I think may be found in Luke 15:29-32 KJV
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
The elder son would be likened to the ninety and nine. He did not leave, into a life of sin. He did not go lost. When his brother came home and his father celebrated the elder son did not understand. There had never been a celebration for him, though he had done right.
His father told him in verse 31 where the elder was to gain his satisfaction:
Thou art ever with me
What joy a child of God may have if he meditates upon this thought. Ever with God. He is always there; we have access to His throne at any moment.
We have His counsel
We have His company
We have His comfort andWe have it ever with us.
All that I have is thine
We are joint heirs of all that belongs to Christ and all that is Christ. We will share in His glory. Paul said Romans 8:18 KJV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Growth in spiritual maturity comes about when we get past having to need a celebration and we find instead satisfaction in being with Christ and sharing in His inheritance in heaven.
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