EXCUSES GALORE

 

Scripture Text: Luke 14:15-24

This parable describes how God's plan of salvation played out. Israel was his chosen nation; in fact His first born son ( Exodus 4:22). He picked them in Abraham as the apple of his eyes (Deuteronomy 32:10, Zach 2:8) He would use them to showcase his power and manifest his name among other nations. From Israel he sends forth his son, Jesus the redeemer and saviour of the world. Israel will have a foretaste of God's divine plan before other nations. Unfortunately,  there is a twist in the tale.  Israel rejected God's wonderful invitation to come eat and drink without paying a price (Isaiah 55:1). Instead, they gave many "valid" reasons why they couldn't make it to the banqueting hall. 

Similarly, our lives as Christians are more like that of these Israelites. We have been designated and called; set apart onto the lord as living vessels of his praise. Yet,  In this era of  5G syndromes, we often give God a lot of 'valid reasons why "he must not trouble us now". We convince him that he must " hold us  excused as we have inevitable circumstances to attend to (v 18, 19 & 20)  Our morning devotions are cut short or completely forgotten. Evening sacrifices are as brief as a heart beat. There is no longer time for even song or  sacrifices of the lips. We check time, continuously, whenever we are in the church service. Sad as it is,  we can't help but continue our businesses and social media chats even during the service. "Pray, hold us excused,  lord, we cannot come" what a shame!

The warning to heed here is that he who thinks he is standing must take heed lest he falls. The Israelites rejected God's invitation forgetting that God can never run out of options. Immediately,  He sent invite to the unworthy, the beggars, the scallywags, the downtrodden, the rejected...all were welcomed into his massive, expansive mansion for the banquet of his love. We must not make the mistake of thinking that we are doing God a favour by serving him. Israel is cast aside today and we gentiles are grafted in. Therefore, if we treat God with disdain, he can easily raise up stones to serve him in our place. He doesn't actually need any man to be the God he is. It is His mercy that made him call us his own.

Prayer: Father, often we neglect our altar of sacrifice, and forget that it is a privilege to have communion with you.  As a result, we fumble, fret, fume and falter. Help us realise that we must feed from the abundant food you provide daily and drink from fountain of living waters if we must stay regenerated consistently invigorated  in Jesus. Cause us to always run with joy to meet you at every hour of prayer in Jesus name,  Amen!