The Painted New TestamentSample

Heaven's Balcony
by Ron Dicianni

When I cam e to my senses and realized I owed God an apology for my sin, confessed it, and repented, a host of angels leaned over their balcony of Heaven, rejoiced and had a party. It almost takes my breath away—literally—as I write this. The very thought that I became the “birthday boy” for the party in heaven is beyond my ability to comprehend, since often times I wonder if God really cares for me the way he says he does.

If you haven’t known the joy just described, are you interested in knowing how to reserve your party? Are you interested in the joy that comes in sharing about this party with all those that need Jesus around you? I beg you to say yes. The angels are standing by, on Heaven’s balcony, along with Jesus—our Singing Savior (ZEP 3:17)—ready to have a birthday celebration with any that are saved. 

The last thought to ponder in this day’s study is for those who already believe in Jesus. Do you hear the powerful, joyful, and accepting song that Jesus sings over you each and everyday as you follow him—he sings over you even amidst your mistakes and all. Many of us have a hard time in all our struggles just embracing Jesus’ pleasure, and we need to remember our Baptism in these moments. At the moment of our Baptism, the Father said the same things to us that he did to Jesus; “this is my son/daughter in whom I’m well pleased.” We need to remember Jesus because we’re “in Christ.” Because the Father looks at Jesus when thinking of us, we possess the same pleasure of the Father as that his Son. Amazing.