ODJ: guess who’s coming to dinner?
June 6, 2010
“Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full” (v.23).
READ: Luke 14:16-24
Five to ten times a year, I receive invitations to attend breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners, and to partner with various organizations. Some of these invitations spark no interest in me, while others are so compelling and close to my heart that I respond with an enthusiastic, “Yes!”
Jesus once used an illustration to talk about a dinner invitation that deserves a hearty “yes” from everyone. In Luke 14, a wealthy man sent out invitations to a dinner party he was hosting. To get a personal invitation during this age signified distinct honor. When the dinner was ready, he sent his servant out to notify all the guests (v.17). That’s when the unthinkable happened.
His guests showed no respect for His invitation by making excuses as to why they could not attend the dinner (vv.18-20). You would think the host would cancel the dinner, but he didn’t. He sent out more invitations (v.21). This time, he sent his servant to the streets and alleys of where the outcasts of Israelite society were found, and to the country lanes and behind the hedges where the Gentiles lived. In short, the servant was sent to persuasively invite the unwanted, the unfit, and the unworthy of society to the feast, until the tables were full of guests (v.23).
This brief but important story reveals a wonderful truth about God: He values all of humanity—particularly the less fortunate in our world. Moreover, this story reveals a truth about the gospel. The message of salvation is fundamentally an invitation to everyone, but it is especially good news to the less fortunate in our world.
How can we live this out? By passionately, unconditionally, and extravagantly loving everyone—especially the marginalized in our world. Let’s invite them all to the wonderful feast of God’s love. —Marvin Williams
How have you been passionately inviting others to God’s table of forgiveness? Why is it important that “all” people are invited to come to the feast?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODB: make a joyful shout
Duke University’s basketball fans are known as “Cameron Crazies.” When Duke plays archrival North Carolina, the Crazies are given these instructions: “This is the game you’ve been waiting for. No excuses. Give everything you’ve got. Cameron [Stadium] should never be less than painfully loud tonight.” Clearly, Duke fans take allegiance seriously.The songwriter of Psalm 100 [...]
ODB: Singing Bowl
Artist and scientist Michael Flynn designed a singing bowl for display in ArtPrize, an international art competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The bowl requires no electricity but it does require something that is in short supply: cooperation.As I observed people trying to make the bowl sing, I was surprised that none of them [...]
the success of desire
reading from the playbook› Hebrews 12:1-3 I’m inspired every time I recall the story of a remarkable female athlete named Wendy Stoker. In high school, she diligently practiced for four years to improve her skills as a diver. As a senior, she placed third in the Iowa girls state diving championship. Wendy went on to [...]
Which Code Are You?
By Chris Wale What do the following players (to name just a few) have in common: Andy Farrell, Ben MacDougall, Brad Thorn, Ryan Cross, and Jason Robinson? They all switched to rugby union from rugby league. The two codes of rugby are strikingly different and require different approaches and dis-ciplines. When a player chooses to [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米