Dinner Will Be Served

The Sovereignty of God
The Sovereignty of God

The Mountain of God

Luke 14:15-24  The Message

The Story of the Dinner Party

¹⁵ That triggered a response from one of the guests: “How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom!”

^16-17 Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’
¹⁸ “Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’
¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’
²⁰ “And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’
²¹ “The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, ‘Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.’
²² “The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’
^23-24 “The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.’”

For Reflection

God has offered an open invitation to join in communion with believers as a full fledged member of God's household.  Some will refuse.  Many others will accept a seat at God's table and live the life they were intended to live.  The rest will be subject to their own folly and fumble through the darkness of living apart from God.

Pray

for those who refuse God's invitation.  Pray that they will realize their folly and repent.  Pray that each who dine with the father will be obedient to God's will.