When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 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.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come. Luke 14:15-20
Fresh off a time of Thanksgiving and celebration with my family, I am reminded of how often I am “too busy” to partake of the blessings God has prepared for me. I allow life’s pressures to keep me from resting in Him, or even more, partying with Him. God is inviting me to an amazing celebration. And it’s not a celebration for some uncertain time in the distant future. It’s in the here and now, as the kingdom of God is at hand.
Lord God,
Help me to slow down. In my pride, I assume that I must constantly be at work to meet the needs of others. Allow me to enjoy the party you have prepared and invite others to join in, rather than struggle to create my own sorry excuse for a party. Amen.
Greg (gmd40187)
Sixty-six books in a year 