Throw A Homecoming Party
Gsummer sunset
I love a good party, especially when there is a cool theme to it. I enjoy a good Super Bowl party even when I don’t care much about the big game. I enjoy being with friends, hanging out and celebrating just about any occasion. I love a good homecoming party for sure. Homecoming parties are great because relationships are reconnected in a fun atmosphere.
Jesus told a story that reveals the heart of God toward lost people and His idea of a part for a homecoming. He tells the story of a man who had two sons, the younger son goes to Dad and asked for his inheritance early. He is ready to get out of the house and be on his own. His dad does as he is asked and gives his son his half of his wealth. The son goes away to a distant land and squanders his money on wild living. He is broke, and now a famine hits the area he’s in. He gets a job feeding pigs and is so hungry that their food looks good to him. He comes to his senses and decides that at home, even the hired hands have food and shelter. He decides he will go home and become a hired hand. The story takes a turn that shows the heart of the boys Dad, whom I see as representing God. Check this out…
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. (Luke 15:20-24 NLT)
I love the fact that the Dad was waiting and longing for his son to return. When I became a Dad, I learned more about God’s heart than ever before. God is a loving Parent/Father Who longs for relationship with His kids – us. He loves it when we spend time with Him. (I love it when my kids want to spend time with me.) He loves random conversation with His kids. (I love random phone calls or face time calls with my kids and the grand kids.) The Lord is connected to His kids and He will patiently wait for them to figure it all out. The Fathers love is not logical, but it’s very real and genuine.
I’m so thankful for the example that the Lord gives to me as a Dad. I want to love like He loves. I want to forgive like He forgives. I want to serve like He served. I want to party with my family and celebrate each one of them!
Pressing On!
Dwayne