DEVOTION – DAY 356

Luke 14:16-19 “Invitation To Come”

Luke 14:16-19 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 am on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.”

Jesus used the above parable to explain that not everyone will enter the Kingdom of God. He likened the Kingdom of God to an invitation to a great Banquet. Invitations were sent and people had initially accepted. But, when all the Banquet preparations were completed, and the people were told to come, many of the guests started to make excuses. They had other priorities. The excuses they made were lame excuses. One person said he had just bought a field. Another said he had bought 5 oxen and he wanted to check on them. Another person said he just got married (Luke 14:20). All these were lame excuses because the field, the oxen could be attended to after the banquet. The newly married man could have attended the Banquet with his wife. This shows that the people had other priorities rather than the Kingdom of God. That is why they will not be in God’s Kingdom.

In the same way, God extends His free gift of salvation through belief in His Son, the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. This is the invitation given to everyone. It is the only condition to enter God’s Kingdom. But, many people make all kinds of excuses to reject or postpone God’s invitation. Some people say they will consider to follow Jesus when they have more time, or when they retire. Some people say they will think about it, but they soon forget, because of distractions they faced. Some people say they are not interested because they want to believe in what they want to believe. Some people delay in making a decision, because they think they have plenty of time to decide – they simply have other priorities. These are the people that are in danger of being shut out from God’s Kingdom. In Luke 14:24, Jesus said, “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.”  Thus, when God offers His gift of salvation, everyone should receive and accept it with joy and thanksgiving.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your free gift of salvation. We pray that many will receive your gift of salvation with gratitude and not delay or make excuses. We pray for the salvation of our family and friends. We pray this in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. What are some typical excuses or reasons people give in refusing to accept God’s gift of salvation through the gospel message?
2. What do these excuses and reasons reveal the attitudes and heart condition of the people?
3. How can you pray for these people and what steps can you take to help them receive the gospel message?