Read Luke 14:15-24
Why Are We Always Making Excuses?
While Jesus was eating at the table, someone said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the Kingdom of God.” Jesus then shared a parable comparing the banquet on Earth with the banquet in Heaven. God is preparing a banquet for all who have put their faith in Jesus. God sent his servants out to invite people to the banquet in heaven. However, people were making all kinds of excuses. “I’m busy with my work!” “I just got married!” So God’s servants were told to go into the streets and alleys where the poor, the lame, and the sick are, and to invite them. But there was still room so God sent them into the country lanes and compelled the people to come. So people were able to eat at the banquet in heaven but those who made excuses were unable to attend.
So what’s the difference?
1. Those who were invited and made excuses were preoccupied with the things of the world. Their jobs and marriages were more important than what God had to offer. The poor and lame and sick usually were not invited to the earthly banquet, but God opened the door to heaven for all people who would believe and follow Jesus. These individuals came and were able to eat.
2. Let this be a lesson to us. Nothing should be more important than what God has to offer us through his son Jesus. Everything we have and every relationship should be centered around our relationship with Jesus. This includes our jobs and marriages. Anything less than that turns into excuses. If we are making excuses now, then think of what we will miss when we die.
3. May we make our relationship with Jesus our number one priority so that it becomes the center of all we do and say including our job and marriages.
