THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:15-24
“Not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.” (Luke 14:24)
In this parable, those who were first in the invite list make excuses.
They are not interested enough in the banquet, their own lives matter more.
And so the invite goes out to the needy, and they eagerly come to it.
I am focusing on what happens to those who were invited first.
God’s covenant people (OT Israel, and the NT Church), are called first.
But they are too busy, too distracted, too wrapped up in themselves.
They make excuses for why living for the banquet does not work for them.
In the context, Jesus is talking about ‘believers’ who do not join with Him.
God is on a mission, preparing a banquet for all people (Luke 13:29).
How many of us Christians make excuses for not working for this banquet?
We are the ones called to seek out the needy, to bring them in.
Jesus is challenging our life priorities: our focus on ourselves, not others.
God’s mission is Jesus’ mission is our mission, but are we joining in?
Living for God and others, or living for ourselves – which will it be for me?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are passionate about gathering people – expecially those who struggle – for God’s eternal feast. Help me to see my excuses, to stop making them, and to join with You in filling God’s house.