JESUS FRIEND OF SINNERS— HEAVEN REJOICES OVER THOSE WHO REPENT!

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them…” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent… I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents…. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” —Luke 15:1-2, 7, 10, 32

             When was the last time you gathered with a “sinner” to specifically tell them about Jesus?  What “sinner” have we welcomed recently to spend time with?  Has heaven rejoiced with you because of seeing one sinner who repented and called on Jesus? 

             How amazing is it that “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” and that we can be part of that here on earth.  This is one way we are told that we can have an impact in heaven as we share the gospel and when then there “will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”  Wow… heaven rejoices with us when someone calls on Jesus.  Heaven rejoiced when you called on Jesus!  Think of that!  Not only does our Lord know our name, but so do the angels in heaven because of our calling on Jesus!  This is amazing.  Yes, we are “to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” 

             So, brothers and sisters, fellow followers of Jesus, when was the last time heaven celebrated with you as you saw someone call on Jesus?  Oh, Dear Father, may heaven rejoice many times because of our faithfulness in sharing the gospel and people calling on Jesus.  May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  So may it be!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipwEtvWL_3c&list=RDipwEtvWL_3c&start_radio=1