In our sober and serious desire to pursue Jesus we may miss an essential paradigm of His Kingdom: Party!
Our Church, New Hope in Abilene, TX, is seeking to be more intentional about celebrating with our new brothers and sisters and those returning to Him.
The best know party image in the NT is of 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, side dishes galore, hugs, cheers and pats on the back, celebration, affirmations of son-ship, the local band playing music and dancing!
Now what if every time someone said “Yes!” to Jesus we threw a party like that?!
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!
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)
Party Hearty!
Steven C Johnson
Landingstripenterprises.com
