It's Time to Celebrate

It is an amazing privilege to be a child of God and live in His grace! Because it’s such a great privilege, we should celebrate our relationship! God is pleased when people come together to rejoice in his presence! Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. King Solomon was known for his extravagant celebrations – take a look at this one.

1 Kings 8:62-63, 65-66 Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices to the Lord. Solomon offered to the Lord a peace offering of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. And so the king and all the people of Israel dedicated the Temple of the Lord. 

Then Solomon and all Israel celebrated the Festival of Shelters in the presence of the Lord our God. A large congregation had gathered from as far away as Lebo-hamath in the north and the Brook of Egypt in the south. The celebration went on for fourteen days in all - seven days for the dedication of the altar and seven days for the Festival of Shelters.

After the festival was over, Solomon sent the people home. They blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad because the Lord had been good to his servant David and to his people Israel. 

This celebration was very pleasing to the heart of God! It brought unity and an increased flow of God’s goodness and abundance in the land. Jesus declared, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Mat 18:20 In other words, when people unite to glorify God, He shows up! It is interesting that it doesn’t take a large crowd; only two or three are needed. God is pleased when, by faith, you meet with other believers to honor Him and enter into heartfelt worship and unity with Him.

The Bible makes it clear that great things transpire for those whose hearts towards God produces passionate, extravagant celebration unto Him! Maybe you remember the story of when Jesus came into Jerusalem, and the people praised him by saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mat 21:9b While this was going on, some of the Pharisees became angry and said, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:39-40 

I remember hearing Ron Kenoly talking about this Scripture years ago, and his response to it was awesome. He said, “Ain’t gonna let no rock out praise me.” I feel the same! Why would I allow rocks on the ground to give more honor to God than myself?!

I assure you, God loves it when you give him you’re all! He loves it when passionate, shameless, heartfelt worship comes from you! I believe it’s time for more extravagant parties in honor of our wonderful Savior and God!

With all that’s going on in the world, we can see that the end is approaching, and now, more than ever, we should come together to worship our God!

Heb 10:23-25  As we see the end approaching, let us take careful attention to the Scripture, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Oh, yes! Sunday – Funday is tomorrow! Tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to meet with other believers to extravagantly celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ! Come on! Let’s do this thing! Let’s go all out! Get yourself ready today – get your offerings together– And get ready to get your praises on because…

It’s Time to Celebrate