“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10
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When Swiss ski jumper Simon Ammann won a record fourth Olympic gold medal in individual competition on his final jump during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, an eruption of cheers filled the air. In fact, the roars were so pronounced they were heard clear across the Callahan Valley and into the cross-country skiing stadium.
Heaven rejoices in like manner when a soul is saved, as demonstrated in the parables of the lost sheep — “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” (Luke 15:7) — and the lost coin (Luke 15:10, above). We too can rejoice in someone’s salvation, repentance and overcoming obstacles in life as portrayed in the parable of the lost son: “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 15:32). Our spiritual maturity should be such that we’ve learned to rejoice when others rejoice, yet weep when they weep.
Can others tell that we are sincere Christians by what they hear? We can offer cheers of praise and worship to God, for who He is and all He has done in our lives and other lives, whether through song, testimony or prayer. So let’s be encouragers — helping, supporting, bearing loads with one another — as true disciples of Jesus Christ.
— Samuel Miles
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