Daily Devotional for Sunday, September 3

They That Gladly Received the Word

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41.

“Gladly” tells how you would do something. Have you ever received something gladly? When thinking about receiving something gladly, little children come to mind. For instance, if you get ready to give them their favorite treat or plan a surprise trip to their favorite place, the reaction you receive are squeals and laughter of delight. Their excitement is hardly containable.

The word gladly refers to receiving something with pleasure or joy. These two words explain delight. To delight in something is to have a high degree of gratification, pleasure or joy. To receive something gladly also means you receive it willingly with a desire to have it because it will bring satisfaction or contentment in some manner.

Peter was preaching on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they could understand others speaking in their own language. He preached to them the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and their response was immediate. When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37).

Though they were convicted, after hearing the gospel they were ready, willing and glad to receive it. Think of your own salvation and the day you received it. Were you not glad that you had believed on Jesus and by simply putting your trust in Him, you were saved?

It is true that the delight wears off, once the treat is gone or the trip is over, the thrill of it is gone. But not so with salvation. Though you sin, you can receive forgiveness and ask, as David did in Psalm 51:12, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.”

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Do not let the thrill of your salvation wander. God’s desire is to give you joy, and as you obey Him, His joy will fill you.

Karry Irizarry