JULY 23, 2024
READ: Luke 15 (Focus vs. 11-13 & 17-24)
MEMORY VERSE
“Let’s have a feast and celebrate.” Luke 15:23
BACKGROUND
Our former church in Virginia held baptisms in the Rivanna River where often the sunshine is warm, but the water is frigid. After our Sunday service, we’d load into our cars and caravan to a city park where neighbors tossed Frisbees and kids mobbed the playground.
We were quite a spectacle, traipsing to the river’s edge. Standing in the icy water, I would offer Scripture and immerse those being baptized into this tangible expression of God’s love. As they emerged, soaked to the bone, cheers and clapping erupted.
Climbing up the bank, friends and family enveloped the newly baptized in hugs—everyone getting drenched. We had cake, drinks, and snacks. The neighbors watching didn’t always understand what was happening, but they knew it was a celebration.
In Luke 15, Jesus’ story of the prodigal son (vv. 11-32) reveals that it’s cause for celebration whenever someone returns home to God. Anytime someone says yes to God’s invitation, it’s time to party.
When the son who’d abandoned his father returned, the father immediately insisted on showering him with a designer robe, a shiny ring, and new shoes. “Bring the fattened calf,” he said. “Let’s have a feast and celebrate” (v. 23).
A massive, exuberant party including whoever would join the revelry was a fitting way “to celebrate” (v. 24).
By: Winn Collier
INSIGHT
In the background of Jesus’ parable of a father’s embrace of his returned son are the religious leaders grumbling that Christ “welcomes sinners” (Luke 15:2; see also 5:30; 7:34). Yet it was “tax collectors and sinners” who “gather[ed] around to hear Jesus” (15:1).
Listening to Christ and responding appropriately is a theme in Luke’s gospel (6:27, 47; 8:8; 9:35; 10:16; 11:28-31). Before this parable, Jesus told two others—of a “lost sheep” (15:4) and a “lost coin” (v. 9). In both parables, the theme is “rejoicing in heaven” (v. 7) over sinners returning.
By: Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
Where have you seen transformation and healing happen? What could celebration in these moments look like?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…it’s (always) cause for celebration whenever someone returns home to God. Anytime someone says yes to God’s invitation, it’s time to party.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just people who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7
PRAYER
“Dear God, I have much to celebrate, and this joy flows from You and Your work in my life.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“COME LET US CELEBRATE” Laba Praise
Come let’s celebrate
Come come let’s celebrate
I have seen the Lords goodness
I have seen the Lords faithfulness
Favour favour all around
Jesus did it all for me
I have seen the Lords goodness
I have seen the Lords faithfulness
Favour, favour all around
Jesus did it all for me
My celebration has come
My jubilation is now
Come see what Jesus has done
He has given me all I need
Now I’m walking in victory
Come let’s celebrate
Come let’s celebrate
My celebration has come
My jubilation is now…
This God na correct oh
Kokoroko na him be oh (Mighty is He.)
Sometimes I dey wonder
How He take dey do am oo
This God na correct oh
Kokoroko na him be oh…
My celebration has come
My jubilation is now
Come see what Jesus has done
He has given me all I need
Now I’m walking in victory
Come let’s celebrate
I have seen the Lords goodness
I have seen the Lords faithfulness
Favour favour all around
Jesus did it all for me
My celebration has come
My jubilation is now…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PROVERBS 27
