I meant to be there. I had the invitation. I gave an RSVP. I was going to go to the graduation, but a schedule conflict came up and I had to choose between two options. I chose not to attend.
A friend of the prominent Pharisee felt compelled to reply to Jesus with a spiritual wish. "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." (Luke 14:15b) Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests." At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
The invitation and the summons came at two different times. When the banquet was ready, the guests were informed. It was a serious insult to accept an invitation and to skip out on the dinner. The guests however seem determined to make excuses, however lame. When faced with a choice, they choose to leave.
The owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
The idea that someone else could take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God was not common to the Jewish people. They possessed the invitation to the feast. It was unthinkable that they could be denied their birthright. But it seems that a place at the feast was not automatic. It seems that a choice is implied, a willingness to participate is required.
I don't want to miss the feast. I don't wish to anger the owner of the house. When He calls me, may I choose to answer. The best way I know to recognize His voice is to practice listening to Him now. He may call me to serve, He may call me to wait. He does call me to know Him and to spend more time with Him. I must choose, I must respond. No excuses.
Leave no doubt!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)