May 17 | Luke 14:15-24
DAILY READING
Luke 14:15-24
REFLECTION
Enjoying the Feast
by David Thompson
The passage for today tells another parable given to many in today's world. The passage opens with a man sitting at a table envisioning the glory of God's kingdom, but not knowing how he could take part in it.
It reminds me of a time when I was involved in a witnessing program called Evangelism Explosion. For those who have never heard of this program, it was a systematic way to present the Good News of Jesus to the lost. As I would go out on visitation night, I would have fasted all day and prayed for those we were going to meet that evening. Upon arriving at the home, we would begin with some small talk, but at some point we would bring the conversation to Jesus. The first question of the program was "What would you say at the gate of Heaven if asked 'Why should I let you into my Heaven?'" Depending on the answer it would lead into discussing God's grace and ultimately to the question whether there was any thing stopping the person from accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? I was surprised after all the lead up that often there was a reason or two why the person was not ready.
This is much like verses 18-20 of our passage where the king invites the chosen guests to come to the banquet. The passage reads, “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 reaction of the owner was understandable. He became angry and directed his servant to go and invite others. There was still room so he told his servants to go and compel others to come. The end result was that the hall was filled and the original guest ran out of time to respond.
