July 28

There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. - Luke 15:10.

WE here see what it is that ministers to the happiness of the angels of God. These holy beings are our observers. They have intercourse with our world, and are acquainted with what is transpiring among men. They gaze upon the battle-field, with its confused noise and garments rolled in blood. They mark the revolutions of empires; the discoveries of philosophy; the improvements in arts and sciences; the extension of commerce and of civilization among the peoples of the earth; but, though they are not indifferent spectators of these things, there is nothing among all the transactions and passing events of time which occasions pleasure and delight equal to the conversion of a sinner from the error of his way.

From this declaration which fell from the lips of everlasting truth, we may learn two things:-First, The disinterested benevolence of these heavenly beings. Though they are the elder branches of the family, and have kept their first estate, yet, instead of rejoicing at the return and reception of their offending brethren, they rejoice to see prodigals restored, and placed in a state of blessedness superior to their own.

Secondly, We may also learn, from this declaration of our Saviour, the importance of a sinner’s repentance. It is of little consequence, comparatively, whether we evoke the censure or the praise of men, the grief or joy of our fellow-creatures, whose knowledge is at best but very limited, and who are often embarrassed by trifles and governed by prejudices, so that they call evil good and good evil, and put darkness for light and light for darkness; but it is otherwise with the angels of God. They excel in knowledge as they do in strength. They are neither misled by ignorance nor warped by prejudice. They always behold the face of our Father who is in heaven. They are perfect beings, and their judgment is always according to truth. If, therefore, beings so holy and intelligent as these rejoice over one sinner that repenteth, there is no subject of greater moment and importance, or more interesting, than repentance.

Then there can be no subject more deserving our attention or self-examination, and we need not wonder that we find so many calls to it and so many instances of it recorded in the Scriptures.