04/23/19 Rejoicing in Heaven

READING: Ruth 1-5, Luke 15

I’ve read Luke 15 many times before, but this time it’s pushed me to think about my own evangelism habits. Particularly, I read these words that challenge me and convict me:

  • “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 don’t need repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
  • “I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”(Luke 15:10)

The text tells us that there’s rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents—and many scholars believe that “in heaven” and “in the presence of God’s angels” suggest that God Himself is leading the rejoicing. As one writer concluded, “The statement affirms God’s particular delight in restoration (cf. Ezek 18:23; 33:11), as well as the value he sets upon the individual.”* My mind cannot even fathom what God’s rejoicing looks like, but I delight today that He delights when people follow Him.

Just the thought of God’s rejoicing makes me want to tell others about Jesus. I want God to use me to lead others to Him. I want to rejoice when that happens—because God, too, rejoices. May I ask you to pray for me that I will be a more faithful evangelist to a lost world? 

 PRAYER: “Father, I want You to use me as a witness. Help me to be an instrument for rejoicing.” 

TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 1-2,  Luke 16

*Nolland, J. (1998). Luke 9:21–18:34(Vol. 35B, p. 773). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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