From Reckless To Redeemed.

“I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) 

According to Jesus, the company of heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. It makes sense, then, that in the construction of our model for prayer, Jesus has instructed us to ask for forgiveness of our sins (see Matthew 6:12). We confess that we did something wrong, we are sorry for the wrong we have done, and we are seeking to renounce that wrong and return into right fellowship with our heavenly Father… and heaven rejoices.

In Luke 15, the elder brother stood outside of the circle of rejoicing. Why? Because he knew that his younger brother had spent money on prostitutes and riotous living. The elder brother, in his heart, had determined that there was no room for forgiveness.

However, the elder brother couldn’t stop the party. And the elder brother couldn’t stop their father from forgiving the younger brother. The father forgave the reckless son.

Repentance releases a powerful act of grace! The Father forgives the reckless one.

Are there persons you know who have repented and returned to the Father, and yet you have continued to harbor unforgiveness towards them? Today is a good day to forgive. After all, Scripture states that if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven (see Matthew 6:14-15).

The reckless son, destitute and dirty, has repented and returned. Lord, give us grace to enter into heaven's celebration.