A Party for the Ages
“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.” (Lk 15:7)
Take a moment to think back on the biggest party you were ever a part of. What was the occasion? What were you celebrating?
Luke 15 talks about three lost parables (not lost in manner of misplaced, but in matter of content). Verse 7 talks about the party that occurs in heaven when one sinner repents. This is in stark contrast to the grumbling and hatred of the Pharisees in this chapter, who are upset that Jesus is eating with sinners.
Notice the importance of the One who does the seeking. It is not the sheep or the coin that return by themselves, but the owner goes out and looks for them. In the same way, the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes out to embrace the son.
This is a beautiful parallel for us, and our relationship to the Father. We are like the wandering sheep who cannot find their way home. But, our God does not abandon us or leave us in the wilderness. He Himself comes to us and rescues us from the pit, and bears us up on His shoulders. Then, He throws a party to celebrate finding us.
Thus, each time a baby is baptized, a party is thrown in Heaven. Let us then rejoice with the angels above at the love of our God, who is willing to go even to the Cross to find the lost, and bring them home.
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