Read Luke 14:12-14
Don’t Invite That Person, He’s No Fun.
Jesus said to the Pharisee who hosted a big party that when you plan a big luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors. If you do so, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. You may even feel good about yourself.
However, Jesus said, when you give a banquet invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. They won’t be able to repay you but your reward will be great at the resurrection of the righteous. God will reward you in heaven.
Why did Jesus even have to say this? Shouldn’t that be our desire to begin with? Shouldn’t we want to include those who are often ostracized from the group? What is the reason for ostracizing such individuals?
* Perhaps inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the unpopular people, is too much extra hard work. They may need extra attention which is seen as a burden. Maybe they are “bad” kids who will cause problems. Maybe they’ll be too demanding. In other words, it won’t be “fun.”
If we go into this with the attitude that it is going to be hard work, a burden, filled with troublemakers, who are too demanding, then we approached the whole banquet with a bad attitude. We can’t approach the Ministry expecting it to be easy. We have to have the attitude that says, this is going to be hard, but if we can impact the life of one individual it will be worth it. Impacting lives can be hard work but if we go into it with the right attitude, then it can be very rewarding. Resulting in praise and worship to the Lord.
Let our Hearts be open to impacting lives of those who are not as fortunate as we are. Whether that be when we are planning a party, or sitting with someone at lunch who doesn’t have as many friends. Find those who are ostracized and ask this question, Lord, who do you want me to give your attention to?
