Interestingly it was the sound of “music and dancing” coming from his father’s house that first alerted the elder son in Jesus parable to the fact that a party was in progress! If there was such joy in a home on earth at the restoration of one son, and as Jesus informs us – “Joy in heaven over one sinner who repents….” (Luke 15: 7 – NKJV) what can we expect when we arrive at Father’s house? David had this assurance – “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence, and the pleasure of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:11 – NLT). Yet this expectation for David was not some distant, vague hope for he also wrote – “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” (Psalm 31:11 – NLT)
As the restored son in Jesus parable discovered – the joy of Father’s house is for the present as well as for the future! Where Father’s house is manifest, whether on earth or in heaven there is exuberance, joy, music, singing and dancing! “I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings”, wrote the psalmist (Psalm 63:7). Surely if David sang for joy in the shadow of God’s protecting wings while here on earth – Father’s home in heaven will also be a place filled with the most incredible songs of joy. And the sound of The House will be heard throughout the universe and beyond!
To be continued …
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