One of those at the table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”
He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’
But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’
The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’ ”
If one so desires, there are varied reasons to act. If one desires not, then one finds excuses not to act accordingly.
Lord Jesus, all the things that are happening to me today is because of You, and that includes my busy schedules at work. It is just a matter of knowing my priorities and where my heart is for You have said, "where your treasure is, there will be your heart also". My treasure is You my Lord for my heart belongs to You alone.
Please forgive me for the times when I say a lot of excuses, just so I can avoid your invitation. These are times when my heart and mind are more focused on my worldly concerns and affairs. I fail to missed out on the more enjoyable comfort of being with You and tasting the goodness of Your love and friendship.
Thank You so much for the invitation that You have extended to me today, to join you in celebrating a great dinner feast. This is truly a rare privilege and opportunity and I await with much excitement knowing full well that I shall be filled in every way.
May my heart always be one with Yours in giving praise and glory to the Father now and forever. Amen.
PERICOPE:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST
Luke 14:15-24
Published:
November 07, 2023, 8:36 AM
