The Parable of a Beach Party

As Jesus was eating, and drinking with his first followers, several local Pastors and Elders came by to have a chat with him about how he was going about ministry; they were very unhappy with the way he handled himself. As they approached, Jesus smiled and welcomed them to join the conversation. The oldest Pastor in the group looked at Jesus and said, “You know, we’re devoted follows of the Divine’s Law; we live our life’s as an example for others to follow. We celebrate all the Holy days, we see Sunday as a day of rest and worship, and we don’t consume alcohol. We gather together every morning for prayer, each of our Churches hold prayer meetings and revivals, but you don’t. You seem to be spending most of your time partying and hanging out with these people. Which makes you a pretty poor example of how to live a faithful life. Why?”

Jesus started to laugh. He looked at them and said, “Wow, kind of harsh don’t you think? I mean, you come up looking like you desire conversation, but all you wanted to do is tell me how I must live according your rules. Kind of trollish, don’t you think? You say that you’re a devoted follower of the Divine’s Law, so let me see if I can share with you the heart of the Divine. Think of it this way, let’s say you’re at a party on the beach, roaring bonfire, DJ setting up, beer and wine flowing, crabs in the pot, fish on the grill, people hanging out laughing, singing, shouting, dancing, some eating too much, others drinking too much, but everyone enjoying the daylong celebration. Now, just as this amazing party started to get exciting, would you toss water on the bonfire? Well, YOU might, but you shouldn’t. By doing so you would ruin the party. So, you have the choice, toss the water or simply party all night long and enjoy a life changing time with your friends. Now, if you desire, after the party is over you can diet, sit back and relax, enjoying the memories of a great party. If you think about it, the party is the Divine in you, around you, and in others. It is, if you will, an expression of how the Divine desires us to live; that we live, and enjoy each other.

But, knowing your heart, you’d rather have a boring dinner party in some musty, stuffy, old house; where the professional chief has the menu all planted out, where your staff has set the table; where the silverware is polished, and the right fork is placed in the right order; where the conversations are planned, the music is ‘acceptable;’ where the guest list is predetermined, and everyone is assigned a seat based on their importance in the community. It seems to me, all you want to do is put an end to an amazing party, and replace it with a dull, boring dinner party. You just don’t understand, anyone who has ever truly partied with their friends – I mean a real life changing party filled with laughing, drinking, eating, sharing, singing, can tell you that a party on the beach is far more exciting than a boring dinner party in a house. What I hear you saying, is you want me to live life on your terms, with the rules you created. I can’t do that, I live the life the Divine has set for me – one of love, grace, laughing, sharing, drinking, eating, singing, and a great bonfire on the beach with friends, those I love. You should do the same.”

– Luke 5:23-39