The God Who Celebrates

The God Who Celebrates

Read: Luke 15:11-32

“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 fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.’”

Luke 15:22-23

“Joy is the serious business of heaven.”

—C. S. Lewis

IN WORD The 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. His response? He throws a party.

No, it’s not the same kind of celebration that the son first sought. That kind of celebration revels in unhealthy independence, doing harm to the body and the soul. It is what people do when their hearts are far from the father and they need a substitute for his love. But it leaves its participants alone and empty afterward. The father’s party, however—that’s a different celebration altogether. It rejoices in unity, building up the body and the soul. It soothes the conscience and deepens joy.

IN DEED Do we enjoy our fellowship with the Father like this? We can. Yes, like the son, we know our credentials are unacceptable, our faithfulness is fickle, our return is of questionable motive, and we are not celebrating our victorious living. This party has a better theme.

Our party delights in the nature of our Father. 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. It is a celebration of His goodness. And we can and should get used to it; Jesus’ description of the feast in this parable and His description of the feast of heaven in other parables say it again and again. Celebrating the Father’s goodness is what His kingdom is all about.