Bringing Joy to Heaven
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on
his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together
his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I
have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy
shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety
and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Luke 15:5–7
Because this world is all we have ever known, it is hard for us to comprehend the perfection of Heaven. The place where those who have trusted Christ as Saviour will spend eternity has none of the flaws that are part of daily life here. There is no sin, no sickness, no sadness, and no night. Best of all, there is the constant presence of God Himself.
As wonderful and glorious and perfect as Heaven is, there is something that we can do here on Earth that brings rejoicing even there—to bring other men and women to Jesus. There is no more important task given to God’s children than for us to follow the example of Jesus and work to reach the lost. There are many good and right things that can and should be done, but the essential mission of every believer is to be a witness of the salvation we have received to others. There is an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell, and every person we meet will spend forever in one of those places.
It is our task to see to it that we warn the lost. We are their only hope. And if we fail in this assignment, the consequences are grave, both for others and for our own lives. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Luke 15:5–7
Because this world is all we have ever known, it is hard for us to comprehend the perfection of Heaven. The place where those who have trusted Christ as Saviour will spend eternity has none of the flaws that are part of daily life here. There is no sin, no sickness, no sadness, and no night. Best of all, there is the constant presence of God Himself.
As wonderful and glorious and perfect as Heaven is, there is something that we can do here on Earth that brings rejoicing even there—to bring other men and women to Jesus. There is no more important task given to God’s children than for us to follow the example of Jesus and work to reach the lost. There are many good and right things that can and should be done, but the essential mission of every believer is to be a witness of the salvation we have received to others. There is an eternal Heaven and an eternal Hell, and every person we meet will spend forever in one of those places.
It is our task to see to it that we warn the lost. We are their only hope. And if we fail in this assignment, the consequences are grave, both for others and for our own lives. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Today’s Growth Principle:
The material things of Earth will one day vanish,
but the souls of those around endure into eternity.
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