In Good Deeds Should We Rejoice?

It’s a privilege and joy to serve the Lord,
But in good deeds should we rejoice?
Is it when, through us, the Lord’s grace is poured,
That we should gleefully lift up our voice?

These questions call to mind an instance,
Spoken of in the gospel.
Jesus sent His disciples, empowered with Divine assistance,
To subdue spiritual forces most hostile.

They travelled the highways and byways,
To the various villages and towns.
And they performed powerful displays,
Of Christ’s authority as they made their rounds.

When they returned from their adventure,
They said, “The demons flee from us in Your Name!”
But to this our Lord gave a loving censure,
As this truth to them He did proclaim:

“I saw Satan fall from Heaven like lightning,
And I’ve given you leave to trample the serpent.
But don’t allow this to, your joy, be heightening;
Of the words I say now, be observant.

Do not rejoice that the spirits obey you,
But be glad your names are written in Heaven.
Revel in the knowledge you are known by Him Who,
Created all in days seven.”

In this lesson taught by our Lord and Teacher,
We learn that, while it is a pleasure to serve Him,
We aren’t to rejoice in deeds done by us, His creature,
But in that He has saved us from darkness quite grim.

For, the truth is we are all condemned,
And for our sin will be sent to Hell.
But an offer of salvation, to us, He does extend,
That we may forever in Heaven dwell.

Rejoice to know you’ve been saved,
From a situation most dire.
Though to sin and death we were enslaved,
Christ came to us in the muck and the mire.

On the third day Jesus rose from the grave,
And all who believe in Him will also rise.
Because for our sin, His life, He gave,
We can now obtain a Heavenly prize.

All who believe, receive life eternal;
An eternity of pleasure and joy.
Our Lord saved us from fire infernal,
And death’s hold over us, did destroy.