Ready:
“‘Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again’ he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.” —लूका 15:23-24
Set:
Not long ago, the New York Knicks won the NBA finals, and there was a huge celebration parade in New York City. The Carolina Hurricanes won the NHL Stanley Cup, and there was a large celebration parade in Raliegh, North Carolina. Spain won the FIFA World Cup. Their celebration was held in Madrid, Spain, with over one million people celebrating. These celebrations were amazing and filled with energy and enthusiasm from the players, coaches and fans. Over the course of a single year there are hundreds of championships played and celebrated.
Jesus taught about a great celebration in Luke 15:11-32. The truth of the story communicates how God celebrates when a lost person is found and restored in relationship and is welcomed home to God with a big celebration. The story is about a son who took his inheritance early and chose to go away and live his life for himself. The father loved his son and watched every day to see if his son would return. One day, while looking, the father saw his son coming back. The son was so embarrassed, dirty and very hungry. Expecting to return a slave, the son pleaded for forgiveness, but the father quickly forgave and celebrated his son’s return.
This great celebration is what happens when we return to God. God wants every one of us to be found by Him. This is life’s greatest win and victory. He treats us like the father in the story. He waits for us. When we do come, he runs to us, embraces us, and welcomes us into His family. He gives us all the benefits of family, not a friend, nor a servant, but as a son and daughter.
Make sure you come home to God, through Jesus Christ. The celebration when you do, is amazing. Even better than a championship parade.
Go:
What are some of your favorite celebrations?
How does it feel to be part of these celebrations?
Have you been the recipient of God’s celebration of you coming home to Him?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, by Your great love and compassion, You have welcomed me and brought me into Your eternal family. Thank You that You give me all the benefits of Your family and Kingdom. Help me learn more about You, to love You more and to follow You and Your ways. In Jesus' name, amen.”