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. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.” Luke 14:23-24 NLT
In the story of the Great Banquet, Jesus tells about the wealthy owner and master of a large home who hosts a great and expansive banquet and generously issues many invitations. When everything is ready, he sends his servants out with the message that everything is now ready. It is time to gather in for the festivities.
But many of the invited guests had neglected to give the master and his invitation the respect and priority it deserved. Instead of hurrying to the event, they began to make lame, unbelievable excuses. “I just bought a field and I must inspect it.” Really? Who buys a field and doesn’t inspect it until after they have paid for it? “I have bought a new team of oxen and need to try them out.” Come on. That’s like buying a car you didn’t test drive. Who believes that? The worst excuse of all is, “I just got married and I can’t come.” If marriage takes you out of your social circle just because you’re married, you have made a poor choice. Bottom line was none of them wanted to go. They had something else on their minds that seemed more fun, more convenient, higher priority.
So what happened? They were replaced. The dinner party wasn’t canceled because they chose not to come. Oh no. The host went looking for people who would appreciate what he had to offer. You can be sure the replacement guests had the time of their lives. Back when we were training to serve in pastoral ministry, a very successful and wise mentor told us, “Don’t tuck your tail between your legs and grieve over people who don’t attend something you worked hard to provide for them – immediately invest your energy in making it even better, more spectacular for the ones who DO come.” Jesus told His disciples that when people rejected their invitations they were to kick the dust off their feet and move on to people who enthusiastically received them. That’s what happens in God’s Kingdom. You always have the choice to accept or reject His invitation. But rejection of an opportunity from God always costs more than you want to pay, and the results last longer than you want them to last.
When you reject God’s invitation, you sentence yourself to self-isolation. God doesn’t lock you out. Neither do His people. You choose your own source of life and fellowship. When you are absorbed with self-interests, eventually all you are left with is yourself. The joy and the rewards of being in fellowship with the Host and the other invited guests is lost. You just have you and your chosen priorities.
- The most humbling reality is this: The Great Banquet is happening with or without me. The opportunities God has for me will be given to someone else. Think.