When I walk in the house after being gone – there is typically squealing and excitement! Both of my daughters welcome me. The oldest one typically has something she has been waiting to tell me – and begins energetically telling me right then. The youngest one runs up and says, “I Gitsu!” which is her name for the game, “I’ll Get You”. The game is simple. I stand in the hall way, she runs from the other end and I scare her by saying, “I’ll get you”. She jumps and laughs every time.
This welcoming scenario has been playing out at least once a day if not twice a day for some time. It’s quite a party for a few minutes.
On one occasion recently, the noise and excitement was over the top and I wondered if this may be the sort of feeling Luke 15 talked about – the rejoicing that occurs in heaven when a sinner repents and comes home. It could be. I could see it. It’s not only the rejoicing that happens from the angels and saints, but from the person coming home themselves. Maybe that’s why, after people have taken a step of faith to begin following Jesus, they often describe it as a warm feeling. There’s nothing like being so lovingly and eagerly welcomed home.
The thought in that moment was a great reminder to me of the message of the gospel.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7
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