It's Fat Tuesday!

In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating.  Esther 8:17

Today is Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Lent starts each year. (Lent is the season of 40 days before Easter - not counting Sundays - we’ll talk about it tomorrow!). Traditionally it has been a day for feasting. It’s been popularized by Mardi Gras (which literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French).

Feasting is common in the Bible. Often, as a sign of enjoying God’s favor, there are feasts. Each year in Israel there were 7 major feasts (read about them in Leviticus 23). In the book of Esther, the above verse comes after a great rescue - so the people celebrated God’s goodness by feasting.

What are ways to celebrate God’s goodness today? Sure, you can eat some chocolate or drink some wine - those are both appropriate ways to celebrate. The real question, however, is whether you’re celebrating God’s goodness or giving into selfish desires. That’s always the question, isn’t it? As Paul summarizes, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

So some celebrating today - for the glory of God!

p.s. For those who are interested, feel free to join City Church folks and Wrigley neighbors at this event: