It behooves us to know what heaven is most passionate about on earth. That’s where God is working and investing the majority of His resources. That’s what we need to focus on if we want to be a part of what God is doing.
One day, Jesus ministered to a group including publicans and sinners. ‘“Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners, and eats with them”’ (Luke 15:2, NASB). The sad thing about this event is that these religious leaders thought something was wrong with what Jesus was doing.
Jesus responded, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (verse 7).
Of course, God loves His children. It pleases Him when we gather in His name. Praise and worship ushers us into His presence. He speaks to His people through the preaching of His Word. But one thing tops all of that. It’s when a sinner repents and accepts Christ as his or her Savior. That’s the heart of God. That’s heaven’s greatest joy. That’s what Calvary was all about.
Since the salvation of the lost is heaven’s greatest joy, that should become our focus on earth. Currently, I don’t believe the Christian church is nearly as focused on reaching the lost as it should be.
Making Heaven’s Greatest Joy Your Joy
Of course, soul-winning is not a mandate for our salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. But having a burden for the lost is required of us if we want to obey Christ. It is required if we want to have a heart after God’s. And it is required if we want the power of God operating in our lives more completely.
There is nothing you and I can do as Christians that causes heaven to rejoice more than winning the lost. In some Christian circles, the so-called “prosperity gospel is the central focus.” But God is far more interested in the salvation of the lost than He is in the material prosperity of the saved. Moreover, when He does bless us to prosper, it should be regarded a resource for investing in Kingdom work.
Let us not be like the Pharisees and scribes who deem it wrong to eat with and welcome sinners. Suppose those who were saved had that view toward us when we were lost? And how can we reach the lost if we have that flawed view of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day?
Let us follow the example of our Savior. We cannot reach the lost by withdrawing from them. We should invest time in them. We should show ourselves friendly. In doing so, we increase our chances that they will receive our witness for Christ.
When we do this and a sinner says yes to Jesus, this constitutes the greatest joy in heaven. And the Lord wants that to become our joy as well. How committed are you to reaching the lost for Christ?
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.