Luke 15:7 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.
I thought of the scripture about how the birth of a new believer triggers widespread joy in heaven. Of course, I was holding my newborn grandson when I thought of it. Little Quinn’s entry into the world has generated the I’m-turning-cartwheels-and-I-can’t-stop-smiling-totally-mesmerized kind of joy. Do you realize the birth of every baby gives us a peek into how God rejoices over each new spiritual birth? He, along with all of heaven, parties hardy!
These little image bearers also help us get a clearer picture of God’s love. Phillip Yancey says that history reveals how the love of a parent can transform children into inspirational leaders. If we could just grasp that we are loved by our Creator as passionately as parents care for their children, we would have no doubts about our own identity and purpose. My grandson is only a few days old, but when I hold him, affection seeps through every pore in my body. And I recognize a deeper awareness of God’s love for us.
Interestingly, when I look at Quinn’s sweet little face, all the cares of the world momentarily lift from my shoulders. Newborns are like neon signs from God saying, “I’m here. And I haven’t given up on humanity.” The world gives us lots of reasons to stop hoping. It always has. And, no doubt, always will. When Jerusalem fell to Babylon, leaving the city in shambles and its population scattered, the nation couldn’t have sunk lower. But as Jeremiah laments about all the misery, he remembers God’s faithful compassion, and concludes, “there may yet be hope” (Lamentations 3:29).
Indeed.
So along with all the joy and love this little 9 lb. 10 oz. package has brought to our family, his arrival also heralds hope. Hope that, in spite of all the weaknesses and flaws of humanity, our Creator continues to demonstrate that humankind is worth it. Baby Quinn is worth it. You and I are worth it.
God creates each of us with a purpose, a purpose to bring joy, love and hope into his world. No matter our stature.