In America we sometimes treat sports as if they are king. We rearrange Sunday evening services for the Super Bowl. We paint our faces in bright colors to parade our enthusiasm for our teams. We jump and cheer at each victory, no matter how minor, and we are doubly enthused when others cheer with us.
How much more do the angels in heaven rejoice when God’s team triumphs in victory over the enemy?
In Luke 2:10-14 we find where an angel appeared before the shepherds, foretelling Jesus’ birth. Immediately, an additional group of angels joined in, and they praised God with a mighty voice.
Next, turn to Hebrews 1:6. It tells us that at the birth of Jesus, all God’s angels rejoiced.
Yet, the final play of the game was far in the future. It was only the first down, and the quarterback had barely stepped onto the field. Why did the angels rejoice with such profound elation at the birth of God’s Son? Was their adoration because of Jesus’ birth? Certainly.
However, there was a deeper meaning in their praise. The angels of heaven knew the final score, even though the final touchdown was yet to be played. In Verse 14, we find that Jesus’ missive was to proclaim salvation to the world. The angels rejoiced for the future redemption offered to all men, the peace of Christ that he would bring to humanity’s hearts.
Flip to Luke 15:7. Two mighty teams battle in the great coliseum of heaven. Good fights against evil. We know the final ending, for it is foretold in Revelation. However, the game is still in process. God is still calling players to the field, and those players are his redeemed saints.
That is the reason Luke tells us that one sinner coming to Jesus brings more joy in heaven than ninety-nine good people. Each redeemed soul is another yard down, and we are one play closer to the goal. Luke repeats his description in Verse 10, telling us that a single person turning from a life of self-indulgence and iniquity is a victory beyond measure. Each and every one of those who are redeemed bring great joy in heaven.
In heaven’s eyes each redeemed sinner is one in a series of victories that turns the tide of sin in the world, for we each support the champion God has brought to the field: Jesus. With Jesus at our side, the final victory is assured. It is foreknowledge of this final victory that gives the angels reason to rejoice when a sinner comes to him. Jesus’ birth in that lowly manger was simply the kickoff, and there is no stopping the outcome of the game.
Jesus continually stands at the right hand of his Father, the one who sent him to earth that he might draw all men unto him. He is our champion in the game that we all must play.
Humanity rejoices for transitory victories. The angels rejoice for spiritual victories that lead to eternal life in the kingdom of God.
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