THE GOD WHO CELEBRATES
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:22-24 (ESV)
The parable of the Prodigal Son is often centered on the wayward son's choices and return, but the story's true focus is the Father. Despite his son wasting all the blessings he had received, the father did not greet him with condemnation or a list of regrets. He met his returning son with celebration.
This story reveals a great deal about the character of the Father and the reality in which we live. Through Jesus, every debt and consequence of our sin, disobedience and rebellion has been fully satisfied. We’ve strayed from home, drawn away by the world's concerns, distractions and temptations. Yet, how deeply the Lord delights in welcoming us back.
We do not serve a harsh, distant or indifferent God. Instead, we serve a loving Father whose heart longs deeply for His children. He doesn’t stand with crossed arms, waiting to condemn, but with open arms, eager to embrace. Whenever we return to Him—whether by receiving salvation or surrendering a long-held burden to Him in prayer—He rejoices. His love is unwavering, and His grace knows no limits.
The joy we experience in this life and the heart behind the art of celebrating do not stem from effort or duty. Instead, they flow from the abundance of an encounter with God’s heart. When we celebrate God’s faithfulness in the stories of our lives and those around us, our celebration is ultimately a reflection of Him—His goodness, His work and His love. We celebrate because we were first celebrated by the One who loves us most.
APPLICATION: Spend some time today asking the Father how He feels about you. Allow the celebratory heart of the Father to minister to you today.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for who You are. Your love and delight in me seem almost too good to be true—but they are. Help my heart fully embrace the joy of this reality. May I live with gratitude, hope and celebration. Amen
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?