It’s just embarrassing! You spent big bucks on an exquisite venue, got a quote from the caterer that could scare you to death, spent hours going over the guest list, sent out beautiful invitations, asked those invited to RSVP … and NOTHING! NO ONE! I mean, how does that make a person feel?! Ticked off really!
There’s a story just like that one that I read this morning in the Bible!
“A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’ ” (Luke 14:16–24 ESV)
Those you thought would have responded – didn’t! Those who were invited – rejected the invitation! So who is going to enjoy the beautiful venue, the succulent cuisine, the incredible hospitality and great celebration? Those you would never expect! Those who WILL respond with appreciation and gratitude – The poor! The needy! The marginalized! Those lacking education and the finer points of etiquette! Those who live “on the wrong side of the tracks!” Those down on the dark edge of the city square looking for a job – any job! Those the socialites look down upon as second or third class citizens! They’re the ones who fill the banquet hall!
Reminds me of a Scripture passage Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write…
“For consider your calling: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God! And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption! So as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord!’”
Gotta tell you, It’s really going to be interesting to see who enjoys a place of honor at “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb” – the greatest feast of all! (Revelation 19:9) I intend to RSVP! Thank the Lord, I’ve been summoned to attend! I intend to be there! How about you?
Coffee With The Lord 