In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Luke 15:7
Joy in Heaven
Have you ever watched someone achieve something extraordinary? Have you felt the pride swell up in your chest for another person? We celebrate the achievements of our children, our friends, our family members, and our coworkers often. As wonderful as some of those achievements are, the salvation of a lost soul is reason for even more rejoicing. Just imagine the celebrating that takes place in heaven when someone comes to know the Lord. It is more than anything we can ever dream of. This verse says that there is more joy when one person comes to know the Lord than 99 others who are righteous.
Righteousness does not earn you a way into heaven. Many people preach that the better person you are, the more you can earn your way into heaven. However, being a good person is not enough. It is about knowing Jesus personally and allowing Him to transform you into righteousness. When you get to witness that transformation in the life of someone else, it is beautiful.
A Prayer to Remember
Dear Lord,
It is a glorious thing when someone comes to know you. Work in the lives of the people around me, so I can be your witness and experience their transformation. Amen.