“Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” Luke 15:10 MSG
Many Christians have considered the glory of Heaven. Its splendor, beauty and peace. The pure joy we will experience as we reunite with loved ones, and most importantly, God Himself.
We long for that day, and its reality is what many hold dear as they reach the end of their earthly pilgrimage. But what of the here and now? How often do you consider what is happening in Heaven right now, even as you read this?
In the parables of the lost (Luke 15), we are told of the great joy in Heaven when one sinner repents. With that in mind, it is highly likely a heavenly party is taking place this very moment.
Now, what if I told you you have the chance to participate in that party too? Right now, right where you sit, you can join the heavenly choir in its adoration of God Almighty and His redemptive work in rescuing another lost sheep.
God is inviting each of us to celebrate with Him. Even more, He is extending us the immense privilege of walking alongside those who will inspire such a reception in Heaven. We do not
just get to rejoice with Him as bystanders, but work with Him as active heralds of good news. As disciples who make disciples. That, my friends, is reason to celebrate!
Oftentimes, especially for those older in the faith or who have been brought up in the church, we can lose sight of the staggering, mind-blowing truth that is grace. God Almighty literally came down to save sinners! Not only that, but in typical God-style, He doesn’t stop there. Better than any infomercial, He says, “But wait, there’s more!” He not only saves us, but sanctifies us, making us more into His image, AND invites us to join Him in this mysterious, amazing Kingdom work.
Do you long to attend this party or are you content to wait for the one at the end? Don’t get me wrong, that party will be out of this world—the party of all parties—and it is certainly worth the wait. But are you willing to forgo the party God is inviting you to right now? Do you want to decline God’s personal invitation?
We are living in Babylon where so many people do not know Jesus, but where there is great darkness, there is great opportunity for the light to shine brighter. God has a history of doing His best work in times of grave evil. Think Daniel, Esther and Isaiah. Think Jesus! During His earthly ministry and following His ascension, very few people even knew who He was. Yet, with His rag tag group of 11, He set the world on fire!
God has a history of doing His best work in times of grave evil. Think Daniel, Esther and Isaiah. Think Jesus!
Paul tells us in Romans 12:1, we are to be living sacrifices to God. We are to live holy lives as distinct people, not for ourselves or completely separate from the world, but for Him and His purpose.
A wedding day is coming, we have to be ready. And what better way to prepare ourselves than to burn with holy fire for the Holy One. Babylon needs to see our burn. It needs to feel its warmth.
When we burn for our Groom, we partake in the heavenly party happening right now. When we reach out to the many lost sheep of the next generation and tell them about our amazing Husband, we join the heavenly choir in proclaiming the goodness of our God. Don’t miss the party, friends. Burn brightly. Seek the lost. Put on your dancing shoes now, God wants to see us move.
References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.