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.”

Jesus told these two parables in response to the Pharisees’ objections to His associating with “unsavory” people, and they are justly famous. I’d like to focus on the joy that is generated when someone repents. American’s tend to focus on the individual, but everyone has a circle of influence, whether they recognize it or not. Some people’s circle is very large, as witness all the people who were impacted, in one way or another, by Charlie Kirk’s assassination. However, even if someone has no human connections, (a virtual impossibility) angels are paying attention. The fact of the matter is, someone repenting of their previous rebellion against God and turning to Him to receive forgiveness and cleansing is a joyful thing, any way you look at it. Every human being is incredibly valuable, so their being rescued from eternal destruction is joyful indeed! This is something we tend to overlook, because we live among so many distractions. However, once you’ve tasted the joy of someone you care about joining the family of God, it’s not something you will forget. Part of the problem is that, frankly, we just don’t care that much about most of the people we encounter. That’s something we need to repent of! We need to ask and allow the Lord to lift us out of our self-centered bubbles so that we can genuinely see, and care about, the people around us. If that happens, one of those people coming to Christ will give us an incredible level of joy that can be had no other way.

I have long insisted that I was not gifted as an evangelist, and I still think that is largely true, but I have discovered the joy of evangelism nonetheless. I have discovered that if I will allow Him to, the Holy Spirit will guide my conversations to spiritual things, with just about anybody. What I have to be careful about is not slipping into preaching! Since my Teacher gifting is so strong, I tend to dump information on people to the point they’re swamped, and running away is a natural reaction to that. The Lord is helping me grow in that area, and just this week He has given me some conversations for which I am deeply grateful. I have also seen indications that one person, about whom I care deeply, may well be about to make a full commitment to Christ. That’s exciting! I truly want to rejoice with the angels over the salvation of many, so I need to keep myself available for however the Lord wants to use me.

Father, thank You indeed for the joy of sharing Your Gospel. Help me do that more and more faithfully, more and more effectively, so that more and more people may be brought into Your family, for their eternal salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!