No Greater Joy

 John’s third epistle begins with emphatic thanksgiving. “I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” I think of this verse often when I observe and hear of the good things my recently converted brothers and sisters are doing. It is easy to see their burning zeal for the Lord in their active evangelism, their inquisitive study habits, their participation in worship, and their continued growth in walking the Christian path. These Christians who are young in the faith, but zealous for God are extremely encouraging to me and to so many others. 


Last night, I went to bed to my favorite kind of text. “My mother was baptized today! Please pray for strength in her new life as a Christian.” My dear friend had been praying and working to this end for a long time. Imagine the feeling to know that not only is his mother saved from her sins, but now they can both spend an eternity together in praise of their Father. There is not a greater feeling, nor a more beautiful gift, than to bring the gospel to someone and for them to obey it! 


There is nothing like the excitement, joy, relief and commitment in a newly born again Christian soldier to rekindle the fire under the seasoned veterans. The reality is that the excitement we first felt when we rose from the waters of baptism, though worn by time and trial, should carry us all through life. After all, we get to go to Heaven!


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