MARCH 20 | LUKE 14:12-24

Judy Webb
Mar 19, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

Luke 14:12-24

REFLECTION

Room At The Table

by Judy Webb

Was there a time in your life when you felt like a second-class citizen? A time when you just knew you were not worthy of anyone's friendship or attention? Did you then feel like an outcast, a person with no one to care about and no close relationships? Did the introverted life suit you? When someone threw a party was your name on the invitation list? I thought about this as I read today's verses.

"So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full." (Luke 14:23 NLT)

There was a woman I once knew and admired, who seemed to me, to ‘have it all together’. I really wanted to be like her, to have friends surround me as she did. She presented herself with grace and a loving persona. I saw her as the opposite of myself. One day, she invited me to dinner at her house with several of her friends. I was new to the church and didn’t know many people and was hesitant to accept the invite. Surprising to me, I had a nice time.

When she invited me to her small group, we talked, and I asked her why she reached out to me like she did. She said she found me interesting and kind, and she wanted to get to know me better. She offered me unconditional friendship, as well as a place at her table. Melissa was following the lead Jesus gave and extended the invitation, “Come to the table.”

Now, years later I understand the words, “Come to the table”, as: embrace salvation. Who in your circle of acquaintances, or neighbors, could use an invitation like this? Jesus is telling us to bring in complete strays, to urge everyone we find, to come and fill the house. The invitation is open to all who will come. "For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:11 NLT)

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

You have commanded us to 'Make Disciples', and we want to do that. Give us the courage and the wisdom to recognize who is in our path who needs to hear your invitation, who needs to be seen as one "So Loved By God." (to quote Pastor Paul) Help us prepare that table and fill it with those who are hungry, but maybe don't know it yet. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.