Joy Over One

April 2 is a date I will always remember. On that date in 1982, my grandfather went home to be with the Lord. Pap-paw was a tremendous man who loved God and loved people (hmm, there's that Great Commandment again!). He never met a stranger, he loved to talk to everybody. Even well into his 70s, he would still cut grass and run errands for others who were unable to do these things themselves. He called those he helped "his old people" even though he was older than some of them.

I love baseball because of him. We would sit together and listen to Phillies games out on his porch or go inside and watch on TV. Other times, we would go for rides in the country that would invariably lead to a trip to the local dairy for some teaberry ice cream. He had six grandchildren and I was his youngest and his favorite. I love him, I miss him and I can't wait to see him in Heaven.

April 2 became an even more special day for me this year. My seven-year-old daughter Amanda was born into God's family on the same date that Pap-paw went home. Luke 15:10 tells us that there is joy before the angels of God when one sinner repents. As my wife Cheryl and I cried tears of joy as Amanda asked Jesus into her heart to be her Savior, I recalled this verse and thought about the celebration that was going on in Heaven over her decision. As a parent, I can't imagine a greater moment of joy than knowing your beloved child is going to spend eternity with you--made possible through faith alone because of God's grace and Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Knowing the joy in Heaven over one sinner coming to repentance should, if nothing else, motivate us to share the Good News; starting with our children and our unsaved family members. As thrilled as I am in Amanda's decision to accept Christ, I'm just as glad that I'll never feel the regret of failing to lead her to the Savior. As God's men, we are called to spiritually lead our families. And there's plenty of joy waiting!