We have friends who don’t get very excited about holidays. Our family, however—well, we get downright giddy when a special day pops up on the calendar.
Obviously, we throw a shindig for all the usual suspects (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day), and we make a big deal out of anniversaries, and any day when one of our boys loses a tooth. In fact, we celebrate birthday-week! One day just isn’t enough!
The theme of partying—feasting, rejoicing, laughing— emerges consistently in Scripture. Whenever God’s kingdom breaks in, you find people rejoicing. In Deuteronomy, Moses lays out God’s instructions for all the details of how the Israelite nation is to structure their community. He offers a blueprint of tithes whereby the people would fund their worship and the livelihood of their leaders and, yes, their parties.
God wanted these parties to be festive and lavish. The people were to bring “the new wine . . . the firstborn males of [their] flocks and herds” (Deuteronomy 14:23). God placed a high priority on the people remembering to throw feasts where they would rejoice and remember—together—that their God is kind and generous and the Giver of all gifts that are “good and perfect” (James 1:17).
When Jesus appeared on the scene, He brought the same message. Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding feast (John 2:1-12), and He was noted as one who “feasts and drinks.” The Pharisees even used Jesus’ noted attendance at parties as an accusation against Him, calling Him a “glutton and drunkard” (Matthew 11:19).
The message of the kingdom is clear: When Jesus is present, there is reason to party.
More:
Come, the banquet is ready (Luke 14:17).
Next:
What hinders you from celebrating God’s kindness and provision? What kind of kingdom party do you need to throw?
hayakwah on September 21, 2010 at 6:31 am
ARE ALL PARTIES ENCOURAGEABLE? SOME PARTIES ARE TOO WILD AND I DONT HTINK THOSE WERE THE PARTIES CHRIST WAS ATTENDING.
lindagma on September 21, 2010 at 7:00 am
A good reminder that we need JOY in our lives and that a Christ-like family celebration exemplifies that joy. As a nation, we are caught up in a lot of fear for our homes, our families, our country. We need that time to remember WHO we are… children of the king… and a happy time with family and friends is a great way to bring some joy back into a troubled time. It can be “heavenly.”
Michael on September 21, 2010 at 7:07 am
Hayakwah, Christ attended parties to bring love and healing to those who are sick. He never attended a gathering for his own enjoyment. And as for us, any party is acceptable as long as you are there for the right reason. As for mr collier you should thank God you have that type of family. My faimly would take first place in the mueum of broken relationships.
winn collier on September 21, 2010 at 7:24 am
hayakwah: Jesus did take flack for being at parties where he was “eating with publicans and sinners.” So, my hunch is that we would be surprised at some of the places Jesus showed up. Of course, if your conscience offends you at a certain gathering, then you are free not to participate.
thank you, Michael, I am thankful.
bethanyF on September 21, 2010 at 10:27 am
Sometimes I am hindered by my own attitude. I want to celebrate Jesus and the Salvation he has given all of us. Thanks Winn!
esther chang on September 21, 2010 at 11:30 am
hayakwah, i’m too, like winn, not surprised if Jesus were to be in the midst of some “wild parties” back in those days. it can very well be like our modern day clubs/discos.
Jesus came to heal the sick, not those who are well.
as for winn, thanks for this great reminder. although this verse spoke to me in a different way on the fear of the Lord, your article also strongly urged me to celebrate life in all its fullness, for God’s kingdom is already within me!
celebrate our victorious life in Christ and the goodness of our God my bros and sisters!
al on September 21, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Does God want us to spend time purely for fun & personal enjoyment? if so, are there guidelines for how much is too much?
ROSHAN on September 22, 2010 at 1:23 am
Lets pray for Michaels family. He needs our sincere prayer.
winn collier on September 22, 2010 at 6:48 am
Roshan, thank you for this reminder to prayer. Good word.
Al, I think the point is that there is joy in the kingdom of God (real joy, real pleasure). Rather than separating “personal pleasure” time from “God time,” we are invited to see all of of life as enjoyment of God’s goodness to us (which will include times of immense pleasure as well as moments of struggle) and as obedience to God’s Kingdom (which brings joy). When all pleasure comes from God, there is no such thing as too much.