GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JOY

D. R. Freeman

Luke 15 presents to us both divine righteousness and divine joy. That the younger son should be received and clothed is a testimony to divine

righteousness. The command, “Bring out the best robe and clothe him in it”, indicates divine righteousness towards us, although so unworthy, to clothe us with Christ, the very best before God, in virtue of redemption and the reconciliation effectuated at the cross. Paul, as one of the servants, brought out the best robe in his ministry and thus clothed the gentile saints—for them there was no lesser thought than Christ. The ring and the sandals would speak of divine ownership and sonship. The fatted calf, long kept in reserve, was to be appropriated by all. So divine joy ensues—“Let us eat and make merry … And they began to make merry”. None will hinder it. Divine righteousness and joy are linked, as in the final word, “It was right to make merry and rejoice” (Luke 15: 32).

God’s presence is characterised by joy. The Lord rejoices, God Himself rejoices, the Spirit rejoices, the angels, too, rejoice, for “there is joy before the angels of God for one repenting sinner” (Luke 15: 10). An angel could speak of “glad tidings of great joy” at the Lord’s birth.

We, too, rejoice, knowing something of the Lord’s own joy, being united to Him and loved with the same love as He, who sings to God in the midst of the assembly.

Kingston, Ont.