Role Models

There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

D.L. MOODY
“Joy in the presence of angels?” Perhaps the friends who have left the shores of time may be looking down upon us; and when they see someone they prayed for while on Earth turning to God, it sends a thrill of joy to their very hearts. Even now, some mother who has gone up yonder may be looking down upon a son or daughter, and if that child should say: “I will meet that mother of mine; I will decide for God,” the news, with the speed of a sunbeam, reaches heaven, and that mother may then rejoice, as we read, “In the presence of angels.”

ERWIN LUTZER
Throughout the world today, I believe there will be tens of thousands of people who will believe on Christ in repentance and faith. And every single one of them is going to cause a cosmic celebration.
We don’t know if the joy Jesus referred to in this passage is that of redeemed saints or the angels rejoicing. Although angels will never be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, they rejoice in our salvation, totally free of all jealousy, and one-upmanship. You see, angels were created individually. Angels have no relatives; they are not part of a family and will never be a brother to Christ, yet they rejoice in our salvation and are fascinated by our redemption (see 1 Peter 1:10–12).
The angels rejoice at the news of a new convert, but do we also share in that joy? Many Christians are like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal who don’t rejoice over a wayward sinner who returns and receives all the blessings and privileges of sonship.
Are you a joyful Christian? Do you rejoice over a sinner who repents?

PRAYER
Father, I give thanks for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please give me the joy of introducing a wayward sinner into your kingdom.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think the Angels celebrate a sinner coming to Christ?

How can you be more like them in this manner?