HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 50
page A48
Call of God See Purpose; Will of God
Celebration See also Happiness; Success; Worship
When we think of celebration we usually think of enjoying ourselves, of having a great
time with others. We celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, victories, promotions, awards,
and special milestones. But we also celebrate occasions such as the Lord’s Supper, the
anniversary of a loved one’s death, and other solemn events. What makes celebration
unique is that we take time out from the ordinary to honor and to observe something that
is extraordinary, notable, or special—something important to us. Whether we are leaping
in joy before the Lord, as King David did (2 Samuel 6:14), or reverently listening to God’s
Word at the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:17-19), we pause to remember, to honor, to worship,
and to praise. And the end result of all celebration should be joy, the joy that comes from
a full and grateful heart. God gives us the ultimate reason to celebrate because he has
rescued us from the consequences of sin and has shown us the wonders of eternity.
Those who love him truly have the most to celebrate!
What causes God to celebrate?
• L U K E 1 5 :1 0 | “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one
sinner repents.”
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• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 5 :5 7 | But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
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• MAT T H E W 2 5 :2 3 | The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You
have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more
responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
God celebrates the salvation of the lost, the defeat of sin and evil, and the daily joys and
successes of his people.
• Z E P H A NI A H 3 :1 7 | “For the Lord your God . . . will take delight in you with gladness. . . .
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
God rejoices and celebrates when his people faithfully follow him and obey his commands.
What kinds of things should I celebrate and why?
• DE U T E R O NO MY 1 6 :1 0 -15 | “Then celebrate the Festival of Harvest to honor the Lord your
God. . . . This festival will be a happy time of celebrating with your sons and daughters. . . .
For it is he who blesses you with bountiful harvests and gives you success in all your work.”
We celebrate to thank God for all he has done for us, to recall his acts of goodness, and to
enjoy each other’s company.
• E X O DU S 1 2 :1 7 | “Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that
I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a
permanent law for you; celebrate this day from generation to generation.” (See note on page 63.)
We celebrate to mark important milestones in our lives; we also celebrate to teach our
children the ultimate reason for our celebration.
• PSA L M 9 8 :4 -6 | Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! . . .
Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
• PSA L M 1 5 0 :5 | Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
We celebrate to praise and worship God because he loves us, because of the blessings
he has given us on earth, and because of the eternal blessings he has waiting for us in
heaven.
• NE H E MI A H 8 :1 0 | “Go and celebrate with a feast . . . and share gifts of food with people
who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day. . . . Don’t be . . . sad, for the joy of the
Lord is your strength!” (See note on page 434.)
Joy and fun, as God intended, are important parts of celebration because they lift our
spirits and help us see the beauty and meaning in life.