Rejoice with heaven!
Luke 15:7-“I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.” (EHV)
What is your reaction when a sinner repents? Jesus gives us a glimpse into the reaction the angels have in heaven when a sinner repents. They rejoice and celebrate. I suppose our reaction will be dependent on what kind of sinner repents. When a friend or family member who tries hard in life but gets enticed by Satan’s lies falls into sin, we rejoice when they see the light of repentance. However, for those evil and disturbed people who sin in a way that makes our skin crawl, when they see the light of repentance, we hardly feel like rejoicing. How can we overlook the one’s who murder people in cold blood, rape innocent people, or beat children to the brink of death? Why should we rejoice if they repent? Why would the angels in heaven rejoice? Why would our Holy and Righteous God rejoice?
We have these questions because we look at sin differently than the Lord. We look at sin on different levels. Murder is worse than hating someone. Rape is worse than having sex outside of marriage. Beating children is worse than beating up your rival. This degree of sin was one of the reasons why the Pharisees did not think they needed to repent. But God does not see any sin different from another and neither should we. We are all sinful and need to repent whether we think they are small or great sins. And when we repent, the angels in heaven rejoice and celebrate. If that is the reaction when we repent, how can we not celebrate with them!
Every sin demanded a price, and Jesus was willing to pay it with his life. That is why there is rejoicing and a celebration. We are celebrating the amazing grace and love of God who came to the earth to seek those lost in sin. In this celebration and rejoicing, we are honoring the Lord who saves the least and greatest sinners, all who repent and believe in him.
Dear Jesus, help us rejoice with heaven when a sinner repents. Let us see that we are honoring you and celebrating your amazing grace. In your name we pray. Amen!