By Kim Thoday

I’ve got a mate called Snapper. He got that nickname because he used to drink like a fish. Some weekends, he’ll grab a wheelbarrow and fill it with ice, beer and chickens (dead ones). And off he’ll head to share it all with his friends doing it hard on the streets. Snapper also likes to tell them a good yarn.

They especially like hearing his story about the bloke who won tattslotto and put on the best show ever. He hired the biggest keg and got the finest spit roast happening. He brought in a top cover band that could play just about anything. He owed a few favours to some mates, so he went out of his way to invite them. But they all had lame excuses. One had become wealthy. Another had too many work commitments. One was having another affair. A few were worried about seeing someone they disliked. Others, quietly, had to be careful of their reputations.

He was upset about all this, but not being one to give up on a party, he went into the streets and lanes and brought in anyone down on their luck. He found plenty of willing punters for a show like this. This was a party where ordinary people were going to be treated like royalty. He hired the best caterers. He put on a fireworks display and there were sideshows and rides. All for free. He remembered their names and all were treated as honoured guests. It felt just so good to belong together like family.

Then Snapper tells his friends: Jesus also came to invite everyone to God’s party. But this party will be the best; one that will last forever. Many will have lame excuses not to come. We all have to make the decision whether we will accept his invitation or not. Thing is, our life depends upon what decision we make. Life without this kind of party really is hell.

And with that, Snapper and his friends empty the wheelbarrow. The chicken tastes good and the beer is cold.

Kim Thoday Hewett Community Church of Christ, South Australia http://www.hewett.org.au