If you want a visual of Luke 15:7 where Jesus talks about rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents, just watch one program of American Idol when the person auditioning wins the opportunity to go to the next level. While the winner is excited, it is their families that go crazy. Mothers scream, fathers cry and brothers and sisters jump up and down and immerse the winner with hugs. For me it is the best part of the program.
In Revelation John talks about tears in heaven being wiped away. I think he was talking about tears of pain and loss. I don’t think he was talking about tears of joy. So it is that Jesus tells us when we accept His offered gift of eternal life and love, our heavenly family goes crazy with joy. I am sure when our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life our heavenly Father wipes away His tears.
Also on American Idol families are flabbergasted when their loved one doesn’t move on. They can’t believe that the judges lacked insight to see how great their loved one is. Love is blind. So is God’s love for us blind? I want to say, “Yes.” But I know better. God knows the truth about everything. Actually that makes His love for us all the more amazing. He isn’t blind to our faults and He still rejoices when we confirm our ticket. Now that is grand.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 31, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org