DAY 47
Marc Turnage
Scripture
When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
Jesus replied: “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. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”- Luke 14:15-24
Jesus told parables to help His audience understand in everyday language the great truths of God. In Hebrew, the word “parable” means “to give an example.” Parables are not allegories (where you identify everything in the story), but they are about communicating a point.
In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable of a man who hosts a big banquet and sends his servant out to gather those who have received invitations, but those people gave excuses as to why they could not attend. He then sends his servant to bring more people in; he has a lot of food, and he wants it eaten!
The purpose of this parable is to be prepared. You never know when those moments of your life need to be, even the moment of your own passing. Be ready to answer when the Master calls.
Question: Are you living every day in such submitted obedience to God that no matter when the moment comes, you are ready to meet Him?
Family Chat: As a family, ask Jesus if there is something standing between you and God. Is there something standing between you and each other? Pause and listen during your prayer; He will talk to you. :)
Take Action: Today, share with someone in your sphere of influence what your relationship with God means to you.
Additional Resources: