Rejoicing in Heaven

In my first church, I took the youth to a camp one year in February. We studied the sacrament of baptism, and to my delight, some of the youth wanted to be baptized. Since it was February, we had to break the ice. It was definitely a “cool” experience, but afterwards we enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies to warm up. These new lives for Christ could turn the world upside down, and these youth wanted to celebrate and have a party.

During my time as pastor in Manassas, one member had a hot tub and a swimming pool, so we would gather at his house to conduct baptisms. Afterwards, there was always plenty of food and games, for we had a reason to celebrate!

Luke 15 shares the story of the Prodigal Son (vv. 11-32). This text tells us there is cause for celebration when someone returns home to God. Many of those who gathered to hear Jesus were tax collectors and sinners. Listening to Christ and responding are an ever-present theme in Luke’s gospel. Jesus told two other parables before the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He spoke about the “lost sheep” and the “lost coin.” The common theme in all these parables is “rejoicing in heaven.”

Any time someone says “yes” to God’s invitation, it’s time to celebrate. When the son who left his father returned in the Story of the Prodigal Son, the father insisted on giving him a party. He told his servants to bring a new robe, a shiny ring and new shoes. Verse 23 says, “Bring the fatted calf. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.” When we give our lives to Jesus, there is cause for celebration. There will be “rejoicing in heaven” when we come home to be with our Father.

Prayer – Father, we have much to celebrate! Thank you for letting us accept You and allowing us to come home. Amen.

Luke 15:23 – “Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Levi Guzman, Amonwat Dumkrut & Sharosh Rajasekher, courtesy of Unsplash