Let’s Celebrate

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

A GROUP OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE watching an outdoor wedding reception unfold from the vantage point of their hotel balcony. Lights were strung, music was playing, couples were dancing, and people were laughing. The teenagers stared longingly at the fun they were observing. They longed to join the celebration.

People were born to celebrate—birthdays, weddings, championships, promotions, and holidays. We throw parties and invite our friends and family over. These are big days. And they should be. God never intended for fun and laughter to be excluded from our lives.

The early church knew how to celebrate. They gathered together, acknowledging God’s power and praising His goodness. They met in each other’s homes, sharing meals, laughing and talking, enjoying life with one another. They worshiped God, their Redeemer. The church’s celebrations were so exuberant that even people who weren’t believers wanted to join their company because of what they observed.

Celebrations are like that. The exuberance and excitement cause others to want to share in them and become involved. When God’s people begin to rejoice in God and enjoy His presence to the point of exuberant celebration, people will want to come just to watch, and eventually some will want to become a part of it.

BOTTOM LINE

When you joyfully worship God, He receives glory, and others are drawn in.

Moment of Strength: Luke 15:23-24