"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them – what does he do? He leaves the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and goes looking for the one that got lost until he finds it. When he finds it, he is so happy that he puts it on his shoulders and carries it back home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to then, "I am so happy I found my lost sheep. Let us celebrate!" In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent."

Luke 15:4-7

Everyone rejoiced when Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer were released after being detained in Afghanistan. The local pastor raised his arms in the air and shouted, "Thank You, LORD!"

People should also rejoice even more when they receive freedom from sin, once we put our belief in our LORD Jesus. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are set free from the penalty and bondage of sin. The angels are filled with joy, and heaven is glad.

The blessings of being redeemed are immeasurable. So, when Christians hear that someone has been set free from sin, we can’t help but rejoice.

Praise is the language of sinners set free.

Our Daily Bread – October 24, 2002