© 2016 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Jesus said,

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10).

I’ve read this passage many times and marveled at the thought that angels rejoiced when I was saved. However, recently, it struck me that this statement doesn’t actually say the angels rejoiced, though I’m sure they did. Rather, it says that there’s joy in their presence. Who could it be that’s rejoicing in their presence? I believe it is God Himself! These angels are, after all, the “angels of God.”

Jesus’ statement was made in the context of three parables He was telling. All three parables deal with individuals who called their friends to rejoice with them after recovering something lost. The first described a sheep owner who had recovered a lost sheep. The second described a coin owner who had recovered a lost coin. The third is the parable of the prodigal son who returned to his father. In each parable, the rejoicing individual invites the presence of friends to share the joy.

Who is in God’s Heavenly presence as He rejoices? The “angels of God” are. In fact, one of those angels expressed His own proximity to God as he told Zacharias that he would become the father of John the Baptist.

“…I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings” (Luke 1:19).

Jesus also described a host of other angels who stand in the presence of God.

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Driving this point home, the writer of Hebrews declares the joy of God the Son, Jesus, as he faced the cross to become the Savior of sinners. We are encouraged to be:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Is God, Himself, rejoicing in the presence of His angels, over your repentance, or do you remain unrepentant?

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