Angels, #9

"... there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
"...I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Luke 15:7, 10, www.solascriptura.com


Jesus, this seems to be a message to the "lukewarm church" you described in Revelation 3:14, where the church was neither hot nor cold. You teach us there that you would even rather we be cold than lukewarm. Why would that be? Perhaps it is because a cold church does not deceive anyone. It is not a vibrant, living body with a great witness.

You then tell us you would rather we be "hot" than lukewarm because our witness would be alive and effective, full of Your presence and energy, bringing glory to Your name.

But it is the lukewarm church that you detest. You use graphic language in describing their fate, "You will spew them out of Your mouth". Jesus, we are not able to stand before you "needing no repentance" and if we think we can, we delude ourselves. It is a sinner, saved by grace that causes the angels to rejoice, not a person who feels they need no repentance.

Jesus, help each one of us, this day, to never be "lukewarm". Give us a repentant heart, full of humility and contrition as we enter into Your presence. Then and only then will You and the angels rejoice and then You will fill our hearts with Your goodness and love. Bless us as we seek Your presence in our hearts, amen.

Bruce Caldwell