August 21: When Silence Is Negative

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 5
Listen from:
CO 29:9{Do not let us think of the joy of our King over His people as only future. While we cannot look forward too much to the day when He shall present us "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," let us not overlook the present gladness which we, even we, who have so often grieved Him, may give to our King. Elsewhere we hear of the joy of angels over repenting sinners; here we have a glimpse of the joy of the King of angels over His consecrated ones. Look at the whole passage—it is full of typical light—and let us take it for our learning. "Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" Silence is negative here; there must be a definite heart response if we are willing. Are you? If so, when? The king's question says nothing of some day, but of "this day." And the question is put to you: if never before, it is sounding in your ears now. Shall your service be His "this day," and henceforth, or not? Shall not "this day" be "the day of the gladness of His heart"? Will you not consecrate your service today unto Him? For then, "He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing." As our own hearts are filled with the intense joy of consecration to our Lord, a yet intenser glow will come as we remember that His joy is greater than ours, for He is anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows.
O the gladness of the spirit, when the true and only Light
Pours in radiant resplendence, making all things new and bright!
When the love of Jesus shineth In its overcoming power.
When the secret sweet communion hallows every passing hour.