What brings joy to the presence of God? Imagine this scene: Everything in heaven stops just for a moment and everyone’s attention is focused to one single event. Suddenly there is an outburst of praise and applause throughout heaven. What happened? What great event brought such joy? A single sinner repented.
Jesus tells us in Luke 15 of the joy that heaven experiences when sinners repent. Jesus tells of a shepherd with 100 sheep, and one strayed away and was lost in the wilderness. The shepherd leaves the 99 and goes out and diligently searches for the lose sheep. When he finds the one he joyfully carries it home on his shoulders. He then invites his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him because the lost sheep is found. Jesus then applies this truth with Luke 15:7 says: I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Jesus further says in Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Jesus tells us in Luke 15 of the joy that heaven experiences when sinners repent. Jesus tells of a shepherd with 100 sheep, and one strayed away and was lost in the wilderness. The shepherd leaves the 99 and goes out and diligently searches for the lose sheep. When he finds the one he joyfully carries it home on his shoulders. He then invites his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him because the lost sheep is found. Jesus then applies this truth with Luke 15:7 says: I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Jesus further says in Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
If the angels in heaven experience such joy over one sinner repenting, we also should find joy in the salvation of sinners. At the church I pastor, we have been clapping our hands and praising God whenever someone makes a profession of faith, or whenever they are baptized. I encourage you to lead your churches to rejoice in that which makes heaven rejoice.
We need to make it more our focus to bring joy to heaven in sharing our faith and the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Larry
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