Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 42 and Luke 15.
How could we possibly know what emotion is experienced in heaven when sinners on earth repent? The only way is if someone who had been in heaven told us.
As Pharisees and scribes are grumbling about Jesus “receiving” tax collectors and sinners, he responds with three parables: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. While all three parables have a “lost” element on the front-end, they also have a “joy” element on the back-end.
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (15:7)
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (15:10)
“‘…let us celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” (15:23-24)
On earth, we sometimes struggle with how God will react if we’re honest about our shortcomings and sins. Is He ashamed of me? Will He spurn my feeble efforts? Have I forever blown it? Will He laugh in my face? Is it too late to turn around?
How could we possibly know what emotion is experienced in heaven when sinners on earth repent? The only way is if someone who had been in heaven told us, which is exactly what Jesus did in Luke 15. The answer, in one word, is JOY.
Do you know your heart is not right with your Creator? Do you know your transgressions have created a separation between you and the Giver of life? Don’t let the fear of how God will react if you’re honest about your shortcomings and sins keep you from doing what you need to do today. When we come to ourselves and take steps toward home, there is joy in heaven. The One who has been there told us so.
Could an angelic celebration break out on your behalf today?