02/03/2022
Luke 15:20-24 NIV
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him, he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
Wow.
1. How many of us have participated in ekklesia life where, when someone comes running to the Father through Jesus and forgiveness of sins, we stop everything, our big plans for the day, our ministry activities, whatever it is, and immediately react like the father. We start to celebrate big time. We don't just sing a few songs and clap for a few minutes. We get the fatted calf (the best food we can muster) going, we sit down, and we feast?
2. Do even us 'home church' folks do this?
3. How critical is it that first things first, that new saint in Christ is welcomed in with joy and celebration that takes priority over previous plans?
4. How would your salvation experience be changed if you were immediately received into the family of God in such a manner?
5. Would an older brother response work up in me, such as, "well I prepared all this stuff and been here forever working on it to keep the house of my father rolling, but NOW WE ARE STOPPING EVERYTHING TO PARTY FOR THIS PERSON?" I had important contributions to be recognized! I don't remember my last party!
6. What do the angels do when someone comes to the faith and repents? Do we want the culture of heaven to be seen here on earth? Do we need to rethink how we practically and whole heartedly welcome in a new saint? (I do!)
7. If we are in a regular ministry (what I refer to what many of us call church, a primary speaker or two amongst many) or a open sharing organic/home gathering where we always have stuff to work through, share, etc, would it be wise for me to look at this passage and what happens from heaven's perspective and shift what happens when that new saints arrives at our doorstep?
8. Let's say we do change according to that last question, what do you think might happen with the harvest as we genuinely welcome them in in such a way?
I have touched on some of this in practice, but today I am refreshed and awakened in a whole new way towards this thinking. I have been known to put a feast or two on for the saints in general. I CANNOT WAIT for the next person to repent and come to Jesus in my sphere. I am intending to drop EVERYTHING I possibly can and radically go with the Father's heart and put on a significant a celebration as I am graced to do in that moment.