There’s little joy in the world today, is there?
What with the world-wide Covid 19 Pandemic, whole populations displaced by war, floods, forest fires, shortages of food etc., the list goes on and on! If this life is all there is, little wonder that people are discontent, dissatisfied, disillusioned and depressed. However, there is a future that we can all look forward to. Despite the prevailing unbelief, some have discovered that real joy can be experienced simply by accepting the evidence all around us that there is a God. Some have gone even further, discovering that God has spoken to them directly through His Word, the Bible. The have found for themselves a peace of mind and spirit that sustains them through all the difficulties of the present life. Looking instead into the future of the Earth guaranteed by God himself.
The following story is a true account of someone who did just that; found for herself true joy and peace in fellowship with God through Jesus, His Son.
The baptism picture is of a lady who desired to take on the saving name of Jesus through baptism. She came to this decision on her own. The young family had moved to Malta from Pakistan looking for work. Their circumstances and life in Pakistan had been so different. But her husband brought his faith with him. Watching and listening to her husband and others preaching the Gospel enthusiastically to his family and friends she came to realise that the Gospel message was for her too. Imagine his joy and surprise perhaps, that his wife had been showing interest in the Word of God all along, growing in her understanding and desire for the things of God. Subsequently, with the help of interpreters she was able to give a good confession of her faith in God, God’s Word and God’s Son. It was a moment of great joy for them both as well as for all that were with them that day. Not only that, but also among those silent watchers of all things on earth, the angels of God.
Jesus said: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance”.
Luke 15:7. Jesus here recognises that many, the majority perhaps, see no need to change their lives, apparently quite happy to take what this life offers them, only to pass away in oblivion.
He goes on to say “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents”. Luke 15:10
