I opened my computer this evening to write my post as I do each Sunday evening. Imagine my surprise when I noticed that my post from last Thursday was still in draft mode – in other words, I wrote it but never hit the “publish” key. Therefore, I sent it a little while ago – several days late… However, I didn’t get any emails over the week-end wondering why I didn’t post – so I didn’t find out till twenty minutes ago. I wonder if that means that there aren’t that many of you reading any more – or perhaps you are just being kind, not calling me out while I was on a few days of R&R. Generally, I’m pretty diligent about writing and haven’t missed a Monday through Friday post in several years.
We’re no longer at the Greenbrier as the post suggests, but we were there when it should have posted. I actually debated about not sending it at all, but decided that I should send it anyway – even if it was late. The funny thing is that some of us are also late in growing our faith.
While there are many of us who have believed in Christ since we were youngsters, others among us are much older and still haven’t made the decision for Christ. I started to contemplate this fact in light of the Bible and the concept of progressive sanctification – that is the concept of growing more Christ-like as our faith grows throughout the years. For those who haven’t accepted Christ until later in life, they may not be as far along the sanctification process as somebody who has believed in Christ for many years.
Jesus told a number of parables in which He talked about the rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents and comes to Christ. The story for tonight illustrates how heaven rejoices no matter when somebody comes to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. From Luke 15:4-7, “Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Notice that it doesn’t make any difference whether it is a young or older person who repents – God is pleased either way. So my encouragement this evening is to continue to try and influence people for the kingdom of God – even if they are older. My prayer is that you will continue in your journey and enjoy becoming more Christ-like as you mature in your faith. And I’m sorry I forgot Friday’s post – but better late than never… Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…