Do you sometimes wish you were celebrated by others? Would you like to have someone rejoice over something you did? Do you want others to recognize a decision you made? Do you know there is a decision you can make that will cause angels to rejoice?
We see people in this world seeking their “five minutes of fame.” They will do almost anything to get it, including some outlandish things. For some people, it is a simple matter of seeking attention. They are starving for attention.
Others are looking for long-term recognition. They are striving to be in the spotlight on a regular basis. They long to be in a position of power. They want others to coo over them, tell them how wonderful they are, tell them their decisions are great and wise.
When we decide to be part of God’s family, when we repent, the angels in heaven rejoice. Not only that, but I’ve seen many people cry happy tears when they attend someone’s baptism. It is a very moving and wonderful event.
Unfortunately, many of us leave it at that. We forget that we can continue to feel those wondrous feelings as we serve God. We think it is a one-time thing. Yet, Jesus doesn’t say the angels only celebrate once. Could it be they celebrate each time we repent?
Think about this for just a moment. Repenting includes not simply confessing our sin, but also turning away from it. Now, isn’t that something to celebrate? If our sin is treating God’s children horribly and repent, I believe the angels celebrate. First, there is one of us who is now treating God’s children well. Second, there are children of God who are no longer being treated badly. Isn’t that something to celebrate? One more win for God.
I’m sure all of us can think of many different sins in our lives. It may be something as minor as telling a half-truth or as egregious as assault. A sin is a sin and each one of them cost Jesus the pain and suffering on the cross. Our sin forced God to send His Son as our perfect sacrifice. Each sin is giving in to Satan. Repenting of on our part is a battle won for God over Satan and a win for us, even though the war has already been won.
I pray we all make a decision to turn to God. I pray we repent of our sin, turning away from it. I pray each one of us experience the joy of leaving sin behind and remember the angels in heaven rejoice when we do. Turn from your sin. Rejoice with angels. Know that angels are rejoicing over you. Experience the joy of repentance.
Luke 15:10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Marty Pressey 