Joy In Heaven

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-7

Focus Verse: Luke 15:7  “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.

Have you ever lost your phone or the key to your house?  I have, and I can tell you it’s not a good feeling to lose something.  Actually many times I haven’t lost it, I just can’t remember where I put it.  In Luke 15 Jesus is telling us three stories about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.  Jesus told these stories to help those listening to develop a passion to reach lost souls.  But the Pharisees did not care about the lost.  They only cared about their own religious self-righteousness and had so much pride.  They complained because a lost sinner mattered so much to Jesus.  Jesus wants us to reach out to the lost.  And when one sinner is converted, there should be a joyous celebration.  How can we help the lost to find their way?  We can start by living a godly life ourselves, not of our own power, but through the Holy Spirit.  When people see you living not like the rest of the world, they may ask you about the hope and peace that you have in your life.  So be ready to share the Gospel if someone should ask you.  You can also be alert to someone going through a change in their life.  Marriage, divorce, birth, illness, death, or job change.  Many times people are open to the gospel when there is a change in their life.  Thirdly, you can share the gospel with someone you just meet because you never know how God is working in their heart. 

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.  The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, but God can use what we say to lead them to Christ.  Then when someone does receive Christ, your job is just beginning as you disciple.  You need to help them grow in their new faith in Christ, just as you would feed a new born baby.  Make sure they can find a good church where they can learn and grow.  There will be joy in heaven over each person who repents and comes to Christ.  “Surely this is our God, we trust in Him, and He saved us.  This is the Lord, we trusted in Him, let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9



Do you still remember the joy you had when you first believed and trusted in Jesus?  There is joy in heaven and hopefully in our own hearts as we see someone repent and begin to follow Christ. 

Extra Reading: Psalm 13:5,  Isaiah 61:10,  Colossians 4:5-6
 
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries