God loves a party!

For far too long the church has given the impression that God is stern, stuffy, solemn, serious, a spoil sport, and little fun at all. ( A great way to attract people!) However when we examine the Word we find a strikingly (even shockingly) different reality.

As we examine the Old Testament we find that God actually commands the people to party! Several times a year, for days at a time. (Feast days, Sabbath (days and years), Jubilee)

Then in the New Testament we see Jesus first manifest his glory (John 2:11) at a party! And what that 'manifestation?' He performs a miracle that will enliven and lengthen the party! Later he was accused of being a 'party person' (Luke 7:34). Over and over we see him bringing the kingdom of God to light while at suppers, and banquets, and dinner parties.

Several times Jesus states that the kingdom of heaven is like a lavish party. Matt 22:1-10

Several parables compare the kingdom of God to a joyful celebration (for example, Luke 15.)

From all of this, I would conclude that God loves a party! He loves to show up in the midst of celebration. I believe this has implications for how we do church, for our worship, and for how we live out the good news of Jesus. God will be attracted to our worship and our church when it is celebrational (a 'God' party). If we want God to show up and manifest his presence and power, we need to throw a party - strike up the band, get on our dancing shoes, and celebrate. If we expect him to 'help us win the world' we need to be proclaimers (and 'performers') of good news - of joy and celebration. That's where he will show up!

So - get up and do a little dance - you might just find God joining in!