Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:10
One little girl had a struggle to keep up with the older members of the swim team as they practiced and trained for the upcoming swim meet. At least two years younger than any other team member, she was always the very last to complete her laps and to grasp the techniques that the instructor was teaching. But when she was at the swim meet, she was competing against other swimmers of her own age from the other club. Her hard work paid off, and she easily won every race in which she was entered. But what was just as impressive was the way in which the other members of her team supported her and cheered her on. They gathered at the poolside as she swam, and shouted themselves hoarse as they urged her to win. And when she won, they gathered around her and celebrated. They were like the angels who cheer whenever a soul trusts Christ as Saviour.
We might wonder how such a happy place as Heaven could be any more happy. But amid all of the joy and bliss of that wonderful place, there are bursts of excited celebration that go beyond the normal atmosphere there. As word arrives of someone being saved, the great cheer goes up. The angels recognize that someone new has joined the ranks of those who appreciate the love of God and the work of Calvary. The holy God Who they serve has another worshipper and eternal life has another recipient. Regardless of who notices – or does not notice – the event on earth, the angels recognize the eternal consequences of this event. It seems to me there might also be a cheer for those who were involved in the winning of that soul for God.
Proverbs 11:30 reminds us that he that winneth souls is wise. Daniel 12:3 adds: and they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Soul winners will receive a special crown at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The angels who rejoice at the salvation of a sinner must surely rejoice at the efforts of the soul winners. This does not refer only to the missionaries and the evangelists. It also includes the faithful witnesses, the prayer warriors, the tract distributor, the person who invites folks to come to hear the Gospel, and everyone who gives of time, effort, and resources for the furtherance of the Gospel. All of these play a role in bringing sinners to the Saviour.
The angels of God think the salvation of a sinner is well worth celebrating. Do we? -Jim MacIntosh