It’s Friday…Get Used To It

Does God love to throw parties? Does He look for opportunities to celebrate good news? Yes, yes, He does.

The younger son, in the story of the Prodigal Son, had taken his leave of the father in order to have a life of riotous partying. Most human fathers would try to break him of this character flaw upon his return. But not the prodigal’s father. What does he do? He throws a block party.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fatted calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.’” (Luke 15:22-23)

Let’s get this party started, he said. No, it’s not the partying the son left home to seek after. That kind of celebration revels in unhealthy independence, doing harm to the body and soul. It’s what people do when their hearts are far from the Father, and they need a substitute for His love. That type of partying leaves its participants alone and empty afterwards.

The father’s party, however – is a different celebration all together. It rejoices in unity, building up the body and the soul. It soothes the conscience and deepens joy.

The good news is, we can enjoy such a celebration every day. No doubt, we all know our credentials are unacceptable, our faithfulness to God is fickle, our return is of questionable motive, and we have no grounds for celebrating our victorious living. That’s okay because this party is not about us.

The party God throws delights in His nature. He has taken us back in, He has told us not to worry, and He has given us hope for a future beyond all expectations. This celebration is all about His goodness. And we can and should Get Used To It.

Jesus’ description of the celebration in this parable and His description of the celebration in heaven in other parables say it again and again – Go ahead and experience the joy now. Celebrating the Father’s goodness is what His Kingdom is all about.

Have a joyous weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who enjoy His company and invite others to experience it just the same.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)