A Party in Heaven
A Party in Heaven
There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance. (Luke 15:7)
When I invited my coworker to a concert at my church, she laughed and told me, “Lightning would strike the church if I walked in.” But her eyes weren’t laughing. Immediately after her sarcastic quip, she looked as if she might cry.
“What’s wrong, Paula?” I asked. “Why would it be so shocking for you to come to church with me?”
Paula fidgeted a bit then said: “I went to church when I was growing up, but I just got away from it somehow. I’ve lived a pretty rebellious life since I left home. Bottom line is I don’t think God would let me come back now.” I knew Paula’s lifestyle wasn’t godly, but I had no idea she felt as if God had written her off.
“You can always come back to God, Paula,” I assured her. “It’s never too late.”
Paula looked uncertain, but she went to that concert with me, and there wasn’t even the slightest hint of lightning. But I’m sure there was one lively party in heaven.
Jesus assures us in Luke 15:7 that heaven rejoices when a wandering soul returns to God. Unfortunately many people who have drifted away or rebelled against Him assume He has given up on them or is angry with them. But this notion is simply a lie from the enemy. Satan wants to keep straying believers from returning to their God and the sweet fellowship He offers.
The truth is, God is saddened by our rebellion, but He never gives up on us. And while our fellowship with Him is strained by our sin, our Father-child relationship with Him remains the same. Don’t let the lies of the enemy keep you from returning to your heavenly Father. He loves you and celebrates your return.