“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10
Jesus told several parables about something being lost and getting found. When the lost item is found, there is always a lot of rejoicing. With each of the parables He stated that the angels are in heaven are rejoicing over the one person who repents.
People lose things all the time, keys, wallets, cell phones, and many other little things. Getting stressed about losing something, they often make frantic searches to find the item. The higher the value and importance of the item, the more people will search for it.
The longer the item remains missing, the more frantic the search becomes. Sometimes, people will give up hope of finding the item and quit searching for it. They will then try to replace it with a new item.
Once that item is found, most people will rejoice with great deal of rejoicing. The longer it had been missing and the higher the value, the greater the rejoicing will be.
In this same way, all of heaven rejoices over one person who turns to God and repents of his sins.
There are times, however, when believers will see a person repent of his sins, but they do not believe it. There is no rejoicing, but lots of questioning. It is believed that the person was so bad, that there is no way he could be saved or have repented. This is especially true when looking at people who are famous.
Believers are to be filled with God’s love, which hopes and trusts all things. Love will believe that a person is saved when they claim to repent and follow Jesus. Love will rejoice with great rejoicing over hearing that, instead of questioning and doubting.
Jesus had the goal of seeking out the lost and saving them. You must also have that same goal.
And when Jesus finds that lost and they are saved, He, along with all of heaven, rejoice. You must also rejoice when you hear of someone turning from sin and this world to follow Jesus.
Be willing to encourage them and build them up, rather than doubt and cut them down.
If all the angels in heaven rejoice, why can you not rejoice over someone being saved?
I pray today that you will see people with God’s love and eyes; that you will seek to find the lost for God; that you will rejoice over those who turn to Jesus; and that you will encourage those who turn to Jesus.
Hello Tom I share this scripture often with those who say to me, you just know where I come from. I love to see the look on their faces when I say to them, “this is from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is often a light bulb moment for them. Laurette
That is a good scripture to share Laurette. I like how you share it with others. Thank you for reading and the comment. Have a blessed day!