To the highways and the hedges

Luke 14:21-24: "So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' 22 And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' 23 Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'"

Jesus told a parable about a man who planned a great party. This feast was to be huge and great. The master of the house invited all of his friends. When it was time for the supper to begin, the master sent out his servants to gather all those who were invited to this special time. However, when the servant went to all of the guests, the guests made up excuses as to why they could not come. The master who was throwing the party became extremely angry. He told his servant if they will not come, then you go and invite anyone who will come and they will get the blessing of the feast.

Jesus’ story was first directed at the Jews and the Pharisees. God’s very own people were invited to this feast. God prepared a special earthly promised land for Israel, but He also prepared a spiritual promised land. He invited them to be a part of this “party”, but they refused. They rejected His gracious offer, so in turn God invited those who would come. God told His servants to go to the streets and lanes, and the hedges and highways to invite all who would come. This invitation is opened to all of us today.

As Christ followers, we have a personal responsibility to go into streets and lanes, and the hedges and highways, to invite guests to this feast. God may not have called us to be evangelists, but He has given us the call to invite as many as we can to His party. God wants to fill His banquet hall with as many people who will come. That fact remains, that many who God has called and invited to His party, have decided to make excuses as to why they cannot come. For many, it is an inconvenient time; they feel they have too much “life to live” and God in their life will cramp their style. The truth is, there will be a time when God says, “Party’s over”, and when that happens there will be no second chances. God is inviting you now; do not wait until the doors are shut. Stop making excuses, and come to the feast.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: 1 Sam 15-16 New Testament Luke 14:25-35