Never Miss A Good Party

Speaking of sacred holidays (ahem, last post), did you know God likes to party? Have you considered that He actually instructed His people to celebrate - including feasting? As in, a command if ignored by those living in Old Testament times, could lead to penalty of excommunication or death? 

It's true. Hold that thought.

A few years ago, during one of my annual trips through the Bible cover to cover, a noticeable theme emerged. (This usually happens, by the way, which is so much fun to discover! I highly recommend.) The pattern started with Abraham back in the first book, Genesis. 

As he endeavored to follow God's instruction to leave his people "and go to the land I'll show you", he made many stops along the journey. He would hold up the whole caravan, build an altar and worship. I mean, many, many times. 

It was so repetitive it seems like he halted every few miles and they were on a looooong journey. One (type A-let's-make-the-best-time kind of person) might think he was running a bit behind. 

In reality, Abraham paused every time God did something remarkable. He couldn't help himself! He had to drop everything and respond.

This theme continues throughout the narrative of the Bible.

Some say Numbers is a boring book, but I beg to differ. There is some good stuff in there - take this passage for example. We pick up in chapter 9 when God's people - the Israelites - were in the desert of Sinai preparing to celebrate their second Passover (the commemoration of God miraculously rescuing them from slavery in Egypt).

As they prepared, the Lord spoke to Moses with some instructions. What stood out to me was in verse 13:

But if anyone who is clean and is not on a journey fails to keep the Passover, that person shall be cut off from his people because he did not bring the Lord's offering at its appointed time; that man shall bear his sin.

We can easily surmise that celebrating big things God has done in the past for His people matters to Him. A skeptic might argue, "What kind of God demands worship? What an ego trip!"

I don't think that's what is happening here. These celebrations are not for Him, they are for us. He knows we are fickle and forgetful and need to be reminded of His goodness. Remembering His faithfulness, His mighty power and outstretched arm, His tireless forgiveness, His generous care and provision, His never-ending, unstoppable love for the people He longs to call His own. This strengthens us for the journey called our lives.

THAT's what the sacred holidays are for! They are God's gifts to us, a sometimes weary, embattled group of followers, caught up in the busyness of our daily responsibilities. Deliberately spaced throughout our calendar year meant to bolster our faith; to draw our eyes and hearts back to His greatness. Included are days of feasting together, singing together, shouting for joy that they get to be in relationship with the one true God. That sounds like fun!

God knows this and in His mercy (notice the absence of condemnation), He leaves no room for excuses. What if someone is out of town or unprepared? See verses 9 -11:

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the people of Israel, saying, if any one of you or of your descendants is unclean...or is on a long journey he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord. In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight they shall keep it."

Raincheck. He gave them a six-week window. 

I love this about our Father. He means to delight us. He doesn't want us to miss out. He knows this type of commemorating is actually something we need. It's a recognition for when we fall into the temptation of feeling like everything depends on us (as if we actually keep the world and all our people in it spinning). Consider this a respite, an acknowledgement, that oh yeah God, this is all on You. You made the promises to run the world and take care of your children. You keep the promises. It's not on us! Can I get an amen?

As each festivity approaches, I imagine Jesus in front of me, coaxing me to look back at the history of the Bible and the memories from my own personal experiences since He rescued me from my slavery to sin and self. I stop. (Why is that the hardest thing?) I smile. He smiles. I thank Him. I probably cry for the great mercy I've been shown. I rejoice. Now I, too, want to party!

Then He dares me to follow Him forward in expectation that there will be more. Yes - there will be more. God hasn't stopped working or revealing Himself or rescuing or delighting. We can be as sure of this as we are of what has happened thus far. Remember, worship, anticipate what's next. This is my kind of party!

A solid takeaway is to notice in my own life what God has done, is doing and stop everything to praise Him. And do it often. 

Confession. It always bothers me when I hear some of God's children say, "Yeah, I don't really get into Easter or Christmas."

Here's the thing. Opting out of God's sacred celebrations and remembrances - in group settings with other Jesus followers - says a lot about our heart.

Will God isolate us or strike us dead for not partaking? Probably not. Those Old Testament requirements were fulfilled with Jesus' death and resurrection. 

But make no mistake, if we ignore the party invitation, we will be the ones missing out on blessings He wants to give us. I, for one, am taking no chances on that. I need all the delight and persuasion I can get. Why wouldn't I draw near to the One who wants to give it? 

Our brother Abraham started this parade of celebrating decades before the Israelites joined in with their various feasts and festivals and now it's our turn to take up our place in the rhythm of important God-honoring holidays.

Pssst...did I mention Lent starts tomorrow (see previous post for more on that)? Don't opt out. Because Easter follows on April 17 - I'll have my party hat ready.

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