What Makes God Rejoice

Luke 15:3-7 Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine "righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. Jesus didn't come for the healthy but for the sick. What Makes Heaven Rejoice? Is it when the saved sit around enjoying each others company with no regard, care or concern for the lost sheep? Is it righteous people who cause rejoicing in heaven? No, it's when we reach out to the lost sheep and bring them home on our shoulders. It's when we seek and save the lost. It's when we carry people back to the fold who have wondered away. It's when we carry each others burdens, showing grace and mercy. It's when sinners repent that heaven rejoices. It's not fancy programs or quiet devotions. It's not solemn services or time honored traditions. It's not pomp and ceremony nor excited praise with a jubilate band. It's not a chorus of singing, not large financial donations, not quiet meditation. It's sinners brought to repentance that sends heaven in to rejoicing. Focus on the mission. Reach out to the lost. Leave the ninety in search of the lost one. Saving one lost sheep is always more important than pleasing the ninety nine.