The Joy of Heaven

" . . . I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7)

In three consecutive parables (of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son) Jesus magnifies the joy of heaven in repentance. As I read these parable last night, I had an overwhelming sense of how this reality defines the family of God, the church. When we taste of the joy of heaven, it makes us jealous for the repentance of sinners.

O God, give us such a taste of the joy of heaven that we persistently, joyfully call sinners to repentance!