Jesus told this parable, “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:16-18) 

     And everyone seemed to have some good, legitimate excuses, but the point being made was that if we don’t have a loving, obedient response to Jesus’ message by being self-aware and humble, we are missing out.  That is why the response to the excuses in the parable was, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame,” (vs. 21) and “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (vs. 23)

     Far from wanting to exclude people from heaven, God desires “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4) The one requirement is that we must be willing to accept the invitation to be part of God’s kingdom.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help all of us to be aware of our need for you, and give us a humble spirit so that we are willing to follow you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.