It's OK to have a good time . . . just keep it God-honoring!

 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8: 9-10)

After the wall in Jerusalem had been rebuilt, guaranteeing the safety and flourishing of the city, the people gathered together in order to celebrate what they had accomplished by God’s power. On that day, Ezra the scribe stood on a tall platform so that he might read the Jewish law to all who had gathered. As he read, learned Levites helped the people understand the meaning of the text.  When the people heard the law and grasped its meaning, they were struck to the heart and began to weep. But then their leaders did a most surprising thing. They urged the people to stop crying and start partying!  

Today is Mardi Gras. Many of us associate Mardi Gras with lavish and lascivious celebrations in places such as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. Actually, Scripture encourages us to set aside special times for celebration, even doing that which is at the core of Mardi Gras. No . . . I’m not saying that there is any biblical warrant for the excesses of many Mardi Gras festivals, which look rather like what happened in Exodus 32 when the Israelites worshiped the golden calf. But the phrase Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.” The name is derived from the classic Christian practice of eating fatty food on the Tuesday before Lent, in preparation for the Lenten fast from rich, sweet cuisine. (Some people actually refer to Mardi Gras as Pancake Tuesday because of their tradition of eating pancakes on the day before Lent.)

It's ok to have a good time . . .just keep it God-honoring! In fact, the Bible reveals that God created the good things in this life to be enjoyed . . . within limits. There is a time to eat the fat in celebration even as there is a time to fast in repentance, and plenty of times in between.

The Jews had many celebrations . . .the one written of in Nehemiah was leading up the Feast of Booths. Jesus in deed took part in such celebrations! These events would sometimes last weeks. . . . family, friends, and food and drinks. (remember the wedding feast!) Even some of their feasts got out of hand! 

So we as CHRIST-followers have much to celebrate, especially in such challenging times. So take time to celebrate the things of God. Celebrate all He has done and is doing . . . salvation, family, friends, memories, and all that is to come. Then tomorrow, when the Lenten Season begins, take time to fast, repent, and examine our lives seriously as we ponder the work of Jesus upon the cross! 

Wise Solomon would write about  "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Lord, help us to know when it’s time to celebrate, and when it’s time to be solemn. Teach us how to enjoy good times with You and Your people. Keep us from excess that dishonors you and misuses Your good gifts.

So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)