October 2, 2016: SOAP #2495:  Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 147:1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Luke (NIV) 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’

Observation:   The Psalmist emphasizes the enjoyment and appropriateness of praising the LORD.  Then he goes on in the following verses to give many reasons for praising the LORD:  God’s creation, God’s care for His creation, God’s provision, God’s care for the hurting, etc.  In Luke, the prodigal son’s father had another reason for celebration—the return of his son.  They had no choice, they had to “celebrate and be glad!”

Application:   I am sure our Heavenly Father’s heart grieves at some of the things His created people celebrate.  I am certain that our Heavenly Father’s heart is hurt when we make much ado about things that have so little eternal value.

But for those who have a close relationship with their Heavenly Father, there are some things that require celebration!   In the morning when I turn the school bus to the east and see the beautiful sunrise, I just have to celebrate His creation.  When I read of someone, or see someone become born again, how can I not rejoice with my Heavenly Father!  Praise spills from my lips as the celebration breaks out in my heart!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I want to join you in celebrating what you celebrate.  In my little way, may I add to your celebrations and increase your joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!