Joy in Heaven

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

On this Monday morning between the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and Ash Wednesday, I’m enjoying a lazy morning with a cup of coffee and not much to do. The snow is falling (and falling and falling). In a few hours we’ll be heading home. Reality will set back in tomorrow.

For today, our passage from Luke is enough. These words of Jesus come at the close of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the first of the three great lost-and-found parables. We remember today that we have a Savior and a Good Shepherd who will not rest until the entire flock is safely home. You, sinner, have been set back on the right track You, little lamb, were lost but now are found. And heaven rejoices!

Today, that’s enough. The Creator of the cosmos loves you so much that the Shepherd laid down his life for you. You are found, and heaven parties because of it. Today, enjoy the joy of the Lord who finds so much joy in finding you.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Good Shepherd, thank you for looking for us. Thank you for finding us. Bless us with the joy that only comes from you; the joy that is a foretaste of the heavenly party. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Good Shepherd, Jean Baptiste de Champaigne, seventeenth century (public domain).