In our sober and serious desire to pursue Jesus we may miss an essential paradigm of His Kingdom: Party!
As you study the ministry of Jesus it seems “Party” follows Him. Jesus has crowd problems. People celebrating His teachings, freedom from terrorizing demons, healings of diseases, and the wonderful presence of this Life and Light.
Accused of being a “winebibber” and lover of sinners. Jesus partied with the low-life! He told the scoffers,
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” (Matt 11:16)
The religious leaders of the day saw John the Baptist as way too austere and Jesus, at the other end, as a Party Animal. He was accused of drinking too much and celebrating too much with questionable people.
After Lazarus was raised Jesus came back to visit at the home of Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus;
“Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.” (John 12:2)
Can you conceive of the celebration response at getting a brother back from the dead? How much would you celebrate?
The best know party image in the NT is the Prodigal’s return (Luke 15). Dad pulled out all the stops! Consider the magnitude of the celebration. The returning son received:
The best robe
A ring
A fat calf BBQ, with side dishes galore
Hugs, cheers and pats on the back
Affirmations of son-ship
The Fanfare of the local brass band
Music and dancing!
What if every time someone said “Yes!” to Jesus we threw a party like that? Would we be considered Party Animals?
If you take a scan of the scriptures you will find plenty of references and allusions to the Kingdom as Party. We see that ultimately The Father Himself is The Extravagant Splurge, and all are invited!
A Great Party is being planned.
It is a Welcome Home Party!
It is a Family Reunion Party!
It is an Awards Celebration Banquet!
It is a Wedding Jubilee!
Isaiah paints it as an Up From the Dead Resurrection Party;
“On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine–
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.” (Isa 25:6-8 NIV)
We ache, with our Heavenly Father, to see our beloved prodigals returning on the Path. We pray and pull for their return, every one of them, so we may have an excuse for a Party!
Do those of us who put our noses to the grindstone for Jesus need to do more pick up the heals and dance with Jesus?
Party Hearty!
Steven C Johnson
Landingstripenterprises.com
