Luke 15:23-24
“And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.”
When was the last time you hosted a celebration of pure joy — not because it was expected or a duty, but simply to rejoice for an unexpected blessing? It seems that there are far too many sad sacks around and not enough cheerful Charleys.
In our parable the father welcomed his prodigal son home and threw a celebration of pure joy. I am certain that the lost son was in a state of shock at the joy that surrounded him. He had left rich and full of pride, but returned poor and full of remorse. He had returned in a state of depression and defeat.
Can you imagine the sheer joy of this grieving father that every day had anxiously watched the dusty road leading to the family home? He was expectant that his prodigal would return someday and he wanted to make sure that his son realized how welcome he was.
We are told earlier in this fifteenth chapter of Luke that there is rejoicing in heaven over a returned sinner. Isn’t that great? If the halls of heaven echo shouts of praise for a repentant sinner, we need to show joy here on earth.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil