Read
Luke 14:15-24.   Verse 17. – At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 

Reflect 

Do you remember going through the list of friends and relatives that were to be invited to your wedding only to learn that there were some friends that were angry or annoyed that they did not get invited. 

In our Scripture story for today, the opposite is true. A man prepared a great banquet to which many guests were invited. The invitations went out in advance, and firm commitments were made. Finally, the great day came, and the servants went out with the final announcement: “Come, for everything is now ready.” But in a rude affront to the host at the very last moment, all the guests made excuses. 

God invites us to participate in his kingdom, pictured here as a banquet feast. His kingdom offers us the greatest gifts: full and eternal life as described in John 10:10.   What occupies our life so that the invitation losses its value in our eyes? What is so important that the greatest invitation to the greatest wedding feast could be viewed as less important than the day I received it? 

Following Jesus calls for loyalty and wholehearted devotion to him. Those who wish to enjoy it must come. What are you doing with Jesus’ invitation? 

Pray 

Gracious God, search our hearts, remove our excuses, and enable us to accept your offer of salvation through Jesus today. We pray in his name. Amen.