Joy Enhanced by Partnership
H. W. Beecher. Luke 15:3-7 And he spoke this parable to them, saying,… Every man rejoices twice when he has a partner of his joy. A friend shares my sorrow, and makes it but a moiety; but he swells my joy, and makes it double. For so two channels divide the river, and lessen it into rivulets, and make it fordable, and apt to be drunk up by the first revels of the Syrian star; but two torches do not divide, but increase the flame. And though my tears are the sooner dried up when they run on my friend's cheeks in the furrows of compassion, yet, when my flame hath kindled his lamp, we unite the glories, and make them radiant, like the golden candlesticks that burn before the throne of God, because they shine by numbers, by light, and joy. (H. W. Beecher.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he spake this parable unto them, saying, WEB: He told them this parable.