Week #50 – What’s Your Excuse?

Luke 14:15-24 – 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.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, `Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ ” `Sir,’ the servant said, `what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, `Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”

One of the guests at the table referenced the great feast to be given in God’s kingdom. This set the stage for Jesus to deliver another important message. In response to his declaration, Jesus tells another parable. In it, He describes the feast that is being prepared in God’s kingdom. He tells us of the Master’s desire, whom He invites, how they respond and the outcome of all this. First, we learn that He invited “many guests.” This lets us know that there is a great deal of room at God’s banquet table. In fact, the scriptures make it pretty plain that God invites the whole world! He so loved THE WORLD, that He gave His one and only Son…” Secondly, we learn that EVERYTHING IS NOW READY!” NOW is the time to attend the banquet! TODAY is the day of salvation! There are no other preparations needed! He has done EVERYTHING to provide forgiveness and redemption to fallen man. Come! Now! Thirdly, Christ points out that EVERYONE MAKES EXCUSES to avoid attending this great feast! We ALL have them, don’t we? Houses and lands, new things to try out for work and recreation, new spouse and relationships to attend to – things that are given greater importance than the Great Banquet Feast that God has prepared for those who will attend!
We all can look around at our world, and perhaps more importantly look into our own lives and identify the reasoning that we use to avoid making God’s Kingdom our highest priority. WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? What does GOD think of our excuses? Jesus said, “The owner of the house became angry.” By this we may take note that God does not smile at our excuses and avoidances! He has done everything to make ready a great feast for us and we work hard to find some reason to keep from going! God is ANGERED by such insolence and excuse-making. He will not waste His invitation. Remember the poor, crippled, blind and lame from the previous section? The Master’s servant is instructed to go out QUICKLY to the streets and alleys, inviting all these to the banquet. God is earnest to fill His banquet table with those who will appreciate it and benefit from it. The servant reported that this indeed was done but there was still room at the table. Though millions have come, there’s still room for more! There’s room at the cross for you! WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Then the Master told His servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in.” The Gospel always begins with GO! Get out of the neighborhood, get out of the town and get into the country. GO! Just as far as your influence and ability can take you and, MAKE THEM, compel them to come in to the banquet! Don’t take “NO” for an answer! Don’t accept excuses! There is no excuse worthy of missing this banquet! God’s house must be full! Then Jesus warns that, none of those who were originally invited and made excuses, none of them will get even a TASTE of His banquet! Have you received your invitation to God’s kingdom feast? If not, then consider this word to be your invitation! Come and join the party! WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Thursday: Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
Friday: Pray for the families of the week: Frank & Anna Diehl, John & Christine Fargo (Giovanni, Isabelle, Claire), Dave & Ilene Fetzner.
Saturday: Ask God to reveal any excuses that have kept you from His kingdom and feast.
Sunday: Don’t make excuses about getting to worship and prayer, on time and with a glad heart.
Monday: Invite others in your sphere of influence to share in the feast of God’s kingdom.
Tuesday: Point out the seriousness of making excuses and don’t take “no” for an answer.
Wed: Get out to the highways and byways and compel others to God’s Kingdom Banquet!

Prayer Challenge – The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: `Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:4-9