I can't say what it looks like, sounds like, feels like. But I'm sure it happens. In Luke 15 Jesus tells three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son (prodigal son). And with each one, there's an all-out party to celebrate the finding of what was lost. "In the same way, I tell you," Jesus says, "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).Those words are seared into my heart. They are deeply personal. At a time when I was far away from God, He used the words of Jesus in Luke 15:10 to tell me of His deep, deep love. When a pastor shared those words ... the angels PARTY over ONE SINNER who turns to God ... I thought: they are having a party ... for ME?!! Ever since, I've compared the feeling to what happens when you break into space in a vacuum. My heart was a vacuum. Empty. Cold. Lifeless. Then God pierced my heart; and His love rushed in. And the angels partied.
I trust that party is in full swing again ... if it has ever stopped. I just wish I could have seen it from heaven's side. It was powerful enough from my view. How much more in the view of angels?!
I had the amazing privilege this week of baptizing Timothy, a guy I've been praying for and talking to for the last nine months. Now, I can hear our Father saying: "Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:23-24). Party on, heaven!!
