Reflecting on Luke 14:15-24“Bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” (Luke 14:23)
Jesus challenges the religious experts to focus their attention on the needy.
“Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…” (Luke 14:13).
One of the guests brings up the feast in the kingdom of God (Luke 14:15).
And again, in this parable, Jesus mentions the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
I believe that God’s invitation is always to the needy and challenged.
Consider how Israel was a weak slave nation when God rescued them.
But what happens when the weak become strong, and forget about God’s grace?
This is Israel’s story in the bible; it is also true of the church.
God has set up a table for all who are weary and burdened, harassed and helpless.
Jesus comes to God’s people in gracious love, but they refuse it.
And so the only ones drawn to Jesus are the weak and weary and needy.
They come at the gracious invitation of God, and God’s house is filled!
Choosing the weak to shame the strong seems to be God’s Way.
As Christians today, we forget God’s grace to us if we won’t show it to others.
And we miss out on the blessed grace feast, for ONLY by grace can we eat there.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we forget how we are welcomed by grace, and refuse to welcome others by grace. Your grace table is set for me and everyone else that is weak and needy and open to receive it.
I too am weak and needy. I am not the king of my castle. I need a Saviour. I need Jesus to be my King to lead me and guide me in the Way. I need Him every hour. I need to walk with the Lord and in the Light He has shown me. Grace and truth will mark the Way where He leads me.