Text: Luke 14: 15-24
Memory Verse: For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper (Luke 14:24).
At a dinner where Jesus was invited, He taught the invitees the social etiquette necessary at events. He also taught the party organiser how to use parties as an eternal investment (Luke 14:10-14). One of the invited guests quipped, “Blessed is he who shall eat dinner in the kingdom of God!” (Luke 14:15).
This is a fundamental truth. The man who will eat supper in the kingdom of God is fortunate. He will be happy in all eternity. Jesus explained that eating at the Lord’s supper is not luck; it is a choice. The man is blessed because he overcomes the urge to make excuses to ignore the invitation to come to the supper.
The invitation was for supper. Yet men would excuse themselves using transactions they ought to have concluded previously. The man who bought the land ought to have inspected the land previously while the one who paid for five yokes of oxen ought to have tested them before payment. The newlywed husband used the conjugal responsibilities as an excuse when the supper would not take the whole day. They each dishonoured the invitation to the supper for these.
What seemingly legitimate excuses are you giving for ignoring God? Your business or a family to cater for (Matthew 6:33)? No excuse will be good enough and no spot will be reserved for absentees in heaven (Luke 9:62). Do not allow your opportunity to be withdrawn and given to others.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, I choose to do the right thing, and refuse to make excuses.
2. Lord, count me worthy to participate at the Lord’s supper.