In his book, “The Whole Christ” Sinclair Ferguson makes the observation that the ancient Israelites were prescribed more feasts than fasts. This may surprise some as we often are more prone to concentrate on times of deprivation rather than celebration. It also may astonish us because in the Gospel narratives, there seems to be more discussion of people fasting rather than feasting. Even the tax collector, in the parable that emphasized the pride of the self-righteous, focused on his dedication to the fasts, rather than to keeping the feasts (Luke 18:9-14).
The same can often be true for those who follow God today. We can tend to define the Christian life based on what we must avoid rather than on what we obtain. Because of our faith and trust in God, we can rejoice and celebrate in ways that non-believers simply can’t. We can give thanks for the mercy and grace that we experience as a result of Christ’s work on the cross. We can take comfort in the security of knowing that God is with His kids every day of their lives. We can praise God for the beauty of creation, as well as the fact that He hears and answers our prayers. Those who are children of God can feast on the riches of His goodness and be delighted by the expressions of His love. Christians get to experience the blessing of knowing we are right before God, and that He has not only saved us, but He will faithfully provide all that His children need.
In light of all these reasons to feast upon the goodness of God, may all of God’s kids regularly celebrate the joy that is ours in abundance.
