Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Listen to the Angels Rejoice
Song artist Chris Rice sings a piece centering around a number of mysteries that he looks forward to asking God. One of Rice’s questions addressed to God was, “Do you make angels laugh?”
I do not believe God tells the angels jokes, funny anecdotes, or watches earth as if it were that show, “America’s Funniest Videos.” But I do believe angels laugh, because of what God does.
Not a laughter of mocking, a laughter of ridicule, or a laughter of superiority.
But a joyful laugh each time we turn towards Jesus, and away from ourselves.
Jesus’ words are not merely referring to sawdust-trail conversion experiences. Although such repenting does give angels joy.
But more than that… more often than that… more necessary than that… more joyful than that… are the times that God’s people take another step towards Jesus.
It does not even have to be a huge momentous headline-producing step.
It can be when we remember to read His word instead of only watching you tube. It can be when we forgive someone unforgivable. It can be when we start to hate that habit we used to love. It can be when we notice God’s mercy and thank Him. It can be when we love someone else, using the Bible’s definition of love. It can be when we remember to forget to remember those things of our old nature that God has forgotten. It can be when we nod to Jesus’ words, instead of nod off.
Fear not… then listen to the angels rejoice.