I) The Scriptural Pattern of Party

Jesus' first sign, his first miracle happened at a wedding. He and his family had been invited, so he went along to celebrate. The interaction between Mary and him at this point is amazing- somehow she seemed to know that Jesus had some sort of special power that would be useful when the wine ran out. Had he shown some sort of private miracle before? How did she know? We can't know. But something was up- Mary understood something about Jesus' powers, and expected that he might do something amazing.

But if we step back a bit, it's interesting that Jesus' powers are first shown at a wedding party. Even today, for most of us, a wedding party is the biggest party we'll ever throw. It's the biggest party in any family's life. By beginning his ministry at this event, Jesus colors the rest of his ministry. Think of all the times that the action in the Gospel stories is carried out at feasts- with tax collectors, former prostitutes and even Lazarus who had been raised from the dead. Over and over again the setting for one of Jesus' encounters, teachings or miracles is a celebration, a feast, a party!

Far beyond that, think of how many times Jesus tells parables about feasts- the ten virgins with their lamps; the king who invites people to a wedding feast; the father who throws a feast when his lost son comes home- over and over the "Kingdom of God" is symbolized by a rip-roaring, money-is-no-object party.

Most of all, Jesus chose a feast, his supper, to be the way of receiving him for the entire history of the Church. The Lord's Supper is the feast we celebrate over and over again, Jesus is the host, Jesus is the meal, and we take him inside of us, right where he belongs. That's the center of our worship life. A feast. A party!

And finally, this party theme gets carried over the Book of Revelation, where eternity is pictured as being the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb" - a feast that never ends.

The Old Testament speaks repeatedly about feasting- Abraham hosts God in a feast a the Oaks of Mamre. Later Isaac throws a feast for the Lord as well. The law of Moses was kept by keeping feasts. Isaiah gives us a glimpse of the future kingdom when he says: (Isaiah 25:6)

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples,

a banquet of aged wine--the best of meats and the finest of wines.

We could do a survey for another hour or so, but you get the picture. When God is is marking the biggest happenings in Scripture, when he wants to bring a note of hope in what he will do- he throws a party.

II) Living as Party People

Here's the payoff- the history of God's people throughout Scripture is summed up and brought to its consummation by one thing- a great party.

So, if that's the case; if eternity for us will be a celebration, a feast, a festival, a party-

Shouldn't that color how we live now?

If we are people who look forward to eternity in a joyous celebration,

Shouldn't that affect the way we live? Shouldn't that affect the way we look at the whole world? As people with a future of such joy and endless celebration- of hope, of joy and optimism.

Paul was a party guy. He had already begun the celebration, with joyful words of hope:

Philip. 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philip. 4:11-13

[12] I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Peter lived that way, too:

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Those are the words of party people. People who live with one foot in this world, and one foot in the Kingdom of God. Where Jesus reigns, in hearts where Jesus' kingdom has come, it's a kingdom of feasting. The Kingdom of God is like a feast. We know the end of the story. We know what billions and billions and billions and billions and trillions of years will be- a celebration in the presence of the Living God. Doesn't that change your perspective? Doesn't it make the little things just a bit smaller?

Every day we face sadness, challenges, disappointments, disillusionments, betrayals and hassles. We are beaten down and sometimes we despair. That's the effect of the world we live in, with its brokenness and sin.

But our identity comes from the party. We're people created for eternity for a celebration.

There's a party invitation. It's to you, personally. For eternity. Invitation, Amen.