More joy in heaven

- Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance
(Luke 15:7)

Several years ago, there lived a social worker in a small village. He went about teaching others how to read, write and simultaneously told them about the love of Jesus Christ. The people were exceedingly affectionate and followed him everywhere. The chieftain of the village heard about the widespread praise of this social worker and became very jealous. He thought, "Everybody has begun listening to this social worker instead of me." One day he took a spear and killed the social worker. The villagers trembled on witnessing this act. The next day they buried the social worker.

A few days later, the son of the social worker came riding a horse. He halted the horse, jumped down and placed a bundle at the feet of the chieftain and said, "My father is no more but you just resemble my father. Would you not take me for your son? Please consider me as your son." That chieftain was shocked. He thought this young man would take a dagger and murder him. On the contrary, he wept saying, "Please consider me as your son" to the same man who murdered his father. The chieftain fell at the feet of this young man and said, "Son! It was I who killed your father with a spear. But you have killed this wicked man with your love. How could you forgive a person like me?"

The young boy replied, "It is because of my loving Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life on the cross of Calvary. He was without sin, blameless and holy. But for the sake of the sins committed by me He gave His life for me."

Often I have been wounding Christ. The Bible says, " if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6:6). He did not kill me with a spear but forgives and loves me. It is just because of the love of my Lord Jesus Christ that I am able to forgive you. The chieftain replied, "I also would like to receive this loving and compassionate Lord Jesus Christ in my heart. I do not wish to dwell in the wicked ways. I repent for having killed your father and ask for His forgiveness. Oh Lord forgive me" so saying, he hugged the young boy and once again said, "Son! Please forgive me." His life changed completely. That is the power of repentance.

The power of sin and lust separates you from the love of God and destroys the joy and peace existing in your family. On the contrary, the power of repentance restores divine peace and joy within you and in your family. Confess your sins today and repent. Surely the loving and compassionate Lord will embrace you. Just as the prodigal son returned home and got his joy restored so also return to the fold of your loving Saviour. God loves you and He will certainly bless you abundantly.

Prayer

Abba Father,

In Your immense love for us, You created us. It was You who first loved me. When man fell into sin having lost his former glory, You gave Your only begotten son as an indescribable gift on the cross of Calvary for the atonement of my sins. Grant me a repentant heart that I may always confess my sins and love You with all my heart, mind and soul. May the power of repentance nullify the power of sin and lust and lead me to understand Your wonderful virtues this day.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen

© Jesus Calls Ministries, 16, D.G.S. Dhinakaran Road, Chennai - 600028, India.