Did you ever wonder what it is like in heaven? There are places in the Bible where we get a glimpse. For example, it says there is a great audience watching from heaven in Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us” and there is, in Luke 15:7 “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”. We know though, that many times in life we run after the wrong things and even when we have the right intent, sometimes things end badly. But this we can count on, God is a good God. He loves us and will always receive us and rejoice if we will return to him.
There Will Be More Joy in Heaven
Luke 15:1-7
Jesus attracted people to himself. The sinners, the worst of the worst in Luke 15:1 “were drawing near to him“. But some, in Luke 15:2 “were complaining”. Jesus had to deal with all kinds of people, just as we do. These people that were complaining had a religious belief that God wants us to separate ourselves from the ungodly and the unclean who are sinners. This is an area that causes many to stumble because God does hate sin, but he loves people. What God is demonstrating and teaching is that God desires to turn a sinner to righteousness. Through Jesus Christ, people can be forgiven and restored to right relationship with God. This is what Jesus is teaching in Luke 15:7 “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”.
Rejoice With Me
When He Came to Himself
Luke 15:11-19
Although Jesus is telling a parable, this is could be very real story, and there are others that may begin in a similar way. This young man said in Luke 15:12 ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.’ and he got what he wanted. This is the way many events in life begin, we get what we wanted and then, somehow, it turns out badly. In this parable in Luke 15:13-16 “he squandered his wealth by living wastefully … spent everything … there was a severe famine … he began to be in need … no one was giving him anything”. All of his plans had failed. There wasn’t any place to turn. There wasn’t anyone to help. Some would say he hit bottom. But here is a truth, as long as we are alive, there is always a decision we can make to move forward and in Luke 15:17 “when he came to himself, he said … ”. He had an idea and said to himself in Luke 15:18 “I will set out and go”.
He Was Lost and Is Found
Luke 15:20-32
In this parable, the lost son, in Luke 15:20 “came to his own father” and in Luke 15:21 “said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’” and the father immediately received him. This may be the way a human father would react, but sadly, not all human fathers are so loving and kind. But this is not the story of a human father, this is a lesson about how God, our father feels toward us. If we will come to him as this young man in this parable did, he will not only receive us, but will celebrate our return to him.
John 3:15–17 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.” 16 For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judge the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him.
He Had Acted Shrewdly
Luke 16:1-13
Lovers of Money
Luke 16:14-18
He Lifted Up His Eyes in Torment
Luke 16:19-31
Study Verses
- Luke 15:1-7 There Will Be More Joy in Heaven
- Luke 15:11-19 When He Came to Himself
- Luke 15:20-32 He Was Lost and Is Found
Today’s Reading
- Luke 15:1-32
- Luke 16:1-31
