Likewise there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7)
I was nervous about attending a consolation service for the death of an old friend. Fred had rejected Jesus in his life, and because of that I believe he was lost forever.
However, many of Fred's friends had become followers of Jesus. During the service, tears welled up in my eyes when one of her friends told me about the conversation that happened between Fred and her last month.
Fred asked him, "Do you think I'm going to heaven?" His friend then honestly replied, "No, Fred. I don't think so." As they chatted, Fred's defensive walls began to crumble, and said, "Philip, I believe that what the Bible says is true." After so long refusing the gift of redemption, Fred finally accepted Jesus as his Savior.
With happy tears, I pondered the following verse: "So shall there be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Luke 15: 7). Jesus and the angels rejoice with me.
At Fred's request, we stood and sang, "Jesus loves me, I know that, the Bible teaches me!" For this friend of mine, those very familiar words have come true.
Let us bring joy to heaven by spreading the good news: Jesus loves us, we know it! -CHK
ALL THE INHABITANTS OF HEAVEN REJOICE
BECAUSE OF ONE SINS WHO REPENTED
*) Take from Renungan Hariaan