Luke 15:10 (ESV) — Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The sound of crowd erupting at a sporting event is an incredible experience. It is exciting to be in the stadium and be a part of the atmosphere, but it is an entirely different experience to be the one on the field or court who the crowd is cheering. 

I played sports throughout my childhood and teenage years. I never performed in a stadium full of people, but I felt the electric jolt of crowds watching and responding to my performance. It amplifies the experience. You feel the ebb and flow of the crowd as the contest is unfolding and as each swing of momentum occurs. The game is played differently when there are eyes watching you play.

Our passage today reminds us that there are crowds of observers watching as the greatest drama ever unfolds in the theatre of God’s creation. Jesus tells listeners that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Imagine this picture. The courts of Heaven are observing and watching as the church engages in her mission in the world. As we preach the gospel and serve others in the world, the angels in Heaven are in attendance to our actions. And the passage informs us that there is an eruption of joy in Heaven by the angels when even one sinner repents and turns to Christ. 

This is incredible! I imagine Heaven is filled with constant rejoicing and eruptions of applause because I suspect there are people trusting Christ and repenting of sin somewhere in the world nearly every second of the day. In addition, how much does it fuel us as Christians to live to see people know Christ, knowing we have an audience and the crowd is erupting in cheers? It amplifies my excitement about living out the mission of God in the world. If we remember this reality happening around us at all moments, you may even be able to picture the celebration now.

Reflection & Journal:

- How does the angels rejoicing over sinners repenting stir your heart? 

- Why do you think Jesus shares this truth with us? What is the significance?

- How does remembering we have a constant audience shape how you view living each day?

Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!