trbccoffeebreak

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”  Luke 15:7

Were any of you cheerleaders? I was. Just for one year—during my sophomore year in high school. I must say, it was really fun. Shouting rhyming cheers to choreographed moves during crisp, cool Friday night football games…starting chants courtside for the bleachers packed with basketball fans…pounding the mat to support the wrestlers as they grappled for victory. We kept an eye on the game, always yelling to encourage our team. And when there was a score, we’d go crazy—leaping into a herkie, spread eagle, or tuck jump—while we got the crowd to join together in a victory cheer.

That was a long time ago, and I don’t think about it much. But it all came back to me as I studied the first few chapters of Ephesians. You may be thinking, “Cheerleaders in the First Century Church?” Let me explain.

Since God created the angels, they have been around His thrown giving Him glory—glorifying God is one of their main purposes. They circle the Lord’s throne and proclaim His holiness (Isaiah 6:2-3). Angels know God’s sovereignty and power. They are in awe of His creation—they’ve seen it firsthand.

But angels are not omniscient or omnipresent—they only know what has happened and what is happening as they observe it. And although throughout history, as written in the Old Testament, the Lord prophesied about a coming Savior, His death, and His victory, you can just imagine the level of drama that unfolded in front of the angels on Calvary (I picture them howling in despair). But then, three days later, you can almost hear the roar of joy at the Resurrection. They no doubt shouted from every corner of heaven, “Victory! Victory!”

As Paul writes to the Ephesians and other First Century churches, he reveals to these new believers the mysteries of God. In other words, Truths that the OT prophets wrote about but couldn’t comprehend—not until Christ came, died, and ascended, sending the Holy Spirit for understanding (Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 15:51; Colossians 1:27; 1 Timothy 3:16). And the Apostles made these Truths known to the early Christians (and to us). The cool thing is that the angels also came to an understanding of these mysteries right alongside the Church! (Can’t you just see them high-fiving and cheering with each profound Truth?)

And the most Amazing Truth of all, the Gospel of Grace—salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or the law—was also unveiled to the angels in real time. No doubt, this was like your team winning the world (no, UNIVERSE) championship! The cheers, the jumps, the shouts and hugs! But there’s more (1 Peter 1:12)! The Bible also says that angels rejoice over each sinner who repents and surrenders to Jesus (Luke 15:7-10).

Think about that. When saved, each and every person has myriads of myriads of angels going ballistic—doing angel herkies, shouting, blowing trumpets, probably doing some serious gymnastic moves. An explosion of celebration because it’s the most important event of a person’s existence. So, if you haven’t yet experienced the life-altering transformation of salvation, why not make today the day…your cheer squad is watching intently, waiting to shout over you with unabashed joy.

“Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace, for reconciling us to Yourself through Christ—it is the Ultimate Victory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life