Forgotten Gifts, Forgotten Joys!
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). He is still giving, but many have become so blinded by the cares of this world that blessings innumerable have been forgotten or ignored. Christ was the greatest gift God could have given to us, but few appreciate this Gift with all of its benefits and joys.
“The Prince of heaven was among His people. The greatest gift of God had been given to the world. Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom. Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches. Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation. Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world would be opened to men by the Saviour’s mission.” The Desire of Ages, 277.
There is a joy listed for every person:
- Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom.
- Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches.
- Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation.
- Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world.
Have you overlooked and taken for granted the joy available for your life? Praise God for all the joy that is listed plus all the others that are not! And besides all of these “joys,” Christ is also made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. (See I Corinthians 1:30.)
These benefits through Christ tremendously affect our lives.
Wisdom: God solves the problem of our ignorance through Jesus. By imparting His wisdom to us through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to discern our sin, our danger and the way into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary for cleansing and forgiveness.
Righteousness: Christ’s righteousness is placed upon each person who has repented of his or her sins and has chosen to live for Christ and reflect His character. The guilt is removed.
Sanctification: He sets us apart and sanctifies us, or makes us a holy people, moment by moment. What a growing experience we may encounter if we choose to receive His way.
Redemption: We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus—saved from loss, redeemed to a wonderful, eternal future.
And let’s not forget the faithful heavenly angels and the Holy Spirit! God’s gifts and joys are innumerable. Do not allow the shadow of care, stress or business to dampen these joys and gifts from your memory! Keep them fresh in your heart by praising Him throughout each day!
Father: I had forgotten all of the joys You have given me through Jesus. Please forgive me. I now raise my heart and voice to Thee in praise and thankfulness for the gift of Jesus and all of the benefits which follow. Praise God from Whom all blessings and joys flow. Amen