JOY IN HEAVEN

“Count on it—
there's more joy in heaven
over one sinner's rescued life
than over ninety-nine good people

in no need of rescue.
Luke 15:7 The Message
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The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were focused on the holiness of God and the demands of his laws and regulations. In addition to these laws and regulations, they burdened the people with hundreds of their own laws. They considered themselves more righteous than everyone else and looked with distain on outcasts of society.

On the other hand, Jesus came to reveal the grace and mercy of God and freely interacted with all sorts of people including the outcasts. In order to illustrate the loving and forgiving heart of God, Jesus told three stories which are recorded in Luke 15. You will recall them as, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son. Each story highlights the rejoicing when the lost was found.

When the man finds his lost sheep, he lets his friends know and they rejoice together. “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

When the woman finds her lost coin, she shares the good news with her friends and they rejoice together. “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

When the prodigal son repented, and came back home, his father was watching and waiting for him. ”Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him….. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” What a moving insight into what happens in heaven when a sinner repents.

Heaven is a holy, sinless place. Therefore anything or anyone with the stain of sin is denied admittance. God’s throne is surrounded by worshiping and praising angels – celebrating who God is and what he has accomplished through the sacrifice of his Son – namely forgiveness for repentant sinners and consequently an open door to heaven. Every time another lost person repents, there is a new outburst of joy in heaven. Heaven is a joyous place! Hallelujah!!

Let’s Pray-
Father, we thank you that “you are not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Help us to do our part to find the lost and add to rejoicing here on earth and in heaven.
Amen