CHAPLAIN
FREE TO PARTY
HEAVEN IS LIKE GETTING TOGETHER FOR A CELEBRATION – BUT MULTIPLIED IMMEASURABLY
REV DAVID ASSENDER SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
Especially these days , I really look forward to our next family get-together . In the Bible , a meal is more than an opportunity to get fed : a meal is a significant event . The idea behind every banquet is an experience of what heaven will be like . It will be a place of abundance , happiness and community .
Word-pictures of heaven often include that of a great family feast that the Messiah will bring about . In the Old Testament , it was understood that just as Moses set the Israelites free and fed them in the desert for 40 years , the Messiah would also set his people free and usher in a great era of celebration and feasting in the Kingdom of God . Anticipation of this event produced great hope among God ’ s people through the most difficult times .
In Luke 9:11-17 , we read that Jesus , his disciples , and 5000 + others are out in the middle of nowhere , just like Moses and the Israelites back in the great exodus . In comparison , it wasn ’ t quite the number that were set free from Egypt 1400 years earlier , but it is nonetheless a very large number to host a long way from basic amenities . Just add an enormous sound system and it would be what we now call a ‘ rave ’.
Have you ever wondered how huge weekend-long festivals logistically feed everyone ? Unsurprisingly , the disciples were wondering the same thing , and late in the afternoon they ask Jesus to send the people away for food . Jesus responds , ‘ Why don ’ t you feed them ?’ They reply , ‘ You want us to go into town and buy food for 5000 people ?’ The situation is obvious to everyone . It isn ’ t going to happen . Then Jesus takes five loaves and two fish , and after he gives thanks to God for the meal , he breaks it up into so much food that there are 12 baskets left over .
What ’ s fascinating is that not too long after this event , Jesus uses the same words at the Last Supper . It ’ s the final course of the Passover meal , he lifts his face to
heaven , prays , blesses the food , breaks it and distributes it . At the Last Supper he makes the connection between the bread breaking and his body being broken so we could share in the great feast with him in the Kingdom of God . Meaning that the abundance of God ’ s Kingdom ultimately becomes ours through faith in Jesus because through him we are forgiven and gain access to God .
So , what is heaven like ? It ’ s kind of like every time we get together for a celebration over a meal with friends and family – but multiplied immeasurably . That ’ s what it feels like to belong to God . No wonder Jesus ’ first miracle was turning 150 litres of water into the finest of wines at a wedding . All of his miracles point to some greater meaning . A great many of his miracles are signs of what the Kingdom of God will be like .
So it ’ s good to party , but the difference between a rave and heaven is the reason why we get together . To get the party started , the reason for the party must be established . In the Bible , the reason is our freedom . What greater reason to party than that ! Jesus ’ miracles point us to aspects of an ultimate celebration that will ensue as a result of his death and resurrection to establish our freedom from sin and death . Together , forever , celebrating because we are free . Just as Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land , Jesus rescues us so we are free to be with him .
At Scotch we are all presently experiencing what it is like to give something up of ourselves so our liberties can return . Here , once more , we see the connection between sacrifice and freedom . For some of us it is little more than a set of inconveniences , for others it is unbearable loss and heartache .
With mixed feelings , no doubt , there will come a time when our freedoms will return because of what we have given up , and we will gather in large numbers to celebrate once more . And just as it did for the Israelites under Moses , so it does for us in Christ : hope plots our bearings for navigating these times beyond the temporal horizon . Hope both calls us and empowers us , as the Apostle Paul explains : ‘ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you , the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people , and his incomparably great power for us who believe .’
Praying for you all .
6 Great Scot Issue 163 – September 2021