The physician Luke wrote how, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed”, and in chapter eight and verse eight of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “there was great joy in that city” where we read:
And there was great joy in that city.
The verse begins, “And there was great joy ...” Luke began with the words, “and there was great joy” which means “and there existed massive, large and abundant gladness, cheerfulness and calm delight” in the following. Luke shared how an abundant “cheerfulness and calm delight” came upon the following.
The verse goes on to say, “... in that city”. Luke continued with the words, “in that city” which means “within the dwelling place, habitation and abode of Samaria”. Luke shared how the entire “habitation and abode” of “Samaria” was filled with “exceeding gladness” because of the miracles and gospel which were presented there.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we discover the reaction of the whole “city” of Samaria to the outpouring of God's spirit through His “gospel” and miracles as preached and performed by “Philip”. The whole town was exceedingly joyful, and the abundance of “calm delight” was widely known and experienced. God loves to pour out His Spirit through His Son Jesus upon anyone who surrenders their life to Him, and when they yield themselves to Jesus, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Exceeding joy comes upon those who know the freedom Jesus brings from the bondage of sin, and should He physically make them whole, there is an added benefit to worshiping Him. Let all who read these words examine themselves to determine whether they live in “abundant cheerfulness”, and submit themselves to Jesus when they find themselves lacking in that area.
Next time Luke shares about, “a certain man, called Simon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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