On Coming to the Wedding Feast
Scripture Reading — Luke 14:15-24
“Come, for everything is now ready.”
—Luke 14:17
Last April the eyes of the world were on the wedding of Prince William of England and Katherine Middleton. One of the most closely guarded secrets was the invitation list. Stories abounded regarding people who felt rebuffed for not being 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 (John 10:10).
But we must not imagine this great feast is like a take-out meal from a fast-food restaurant, something we might enjoy briefly while busying ourselves with other things.
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?
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.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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