In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents." Luke 15:10
Several years ago, my family and I sat watching the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Oklahoma Sooners. We are big fans of the University of Georgia, so this football game was a blast for us to watch. We were on the edge of our seats as we watched the Georgia Bulldogs pull off a win after the game went into double overtime. When our team won this game, my entire family and I celebrated. It was such an exciting game! As happy as we were with this win, the anticipation that my family and I felt throughout the game and the way we celebrated pales in comparison to the anticipation angels feel and the celebration that occurs among them when people place their faith in Christ.
We have been talking about angels this week, recognizing the fact that one of God's names is "God of Angel Armies." We have studied that angels are God's messengers created by Him, they worship Him, they proclaim judgment, they protect believers, and they are sent by God when we pray. Along with this list of things that they do, the angels also celebrate.
According to 1 Peter 1, as the great message of salvation is shared with people on earth, the angels are watching in anticipation. Just picture it! The angels, watching God move and work in the lives of people, on the edge of their seats, waiting for the moment they turn to God. Another place we learn about angels celebrating is found in Luke 15:10. This verse reveals to us that when any one person places their faith in Christ, the angels celebrate!
What about you? Are you eagerly watching God move and work in the lives of people, celebrating when another person gives their life to Him? Sometimes, as we go about our lives, we can forget to pay attention to what God is doing in the lives of people all around us. Like the angels, we too should be eagerly watching God move and work in the lives around us, ready to share the good news of Christ with others and ready to celebrate when we see people come to Christ.
Do you share the same enthusiasm as the angels when it comes to seeing people turn to Christ? Who are you currently sharing your faith with that is far from Christ? Take time now to pray for that person and then reach out to schedule some intentional time to spend with them within the next week. If there is not someone in your life who is far from Christ, pray to the Lord that He would place people who need Him in your life. Next, put yourself in situations where you will interact with those who do not know Him and be prepared to share your faith with them.
Read 1 Peter 1:8-12 (NLT)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
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