City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

¹⁶ Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ ²⁰ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ ”

Luke 14:16-21

Reflection

“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

The Declaration of Independence

The US Declaration of Independence is not scripture, but it does hit on some very important ideas.  This passage points to the fact that it is not wise to change what you are doing for “light and transient causes.”  Change for change sake is not the better part of wisdom.  If you have more than a few friends, there is always a birthday, anniversary, recital, etc. to rush off to.  If you attend them all you will hardly do anything else.  So, the word “prudence” is well chosen here. 

Also, you are not obligated to say yes to every invitation.  Imagine if girls had to say yes to every guy who asked them out on a date.  Not good.  So, it is wise to evaluation each invitation on its merits.  It’s funny.  This guy throwing the part could be the nastiest guy in the village and no one ever wants to spend time with.  So, these excuses would make sense.  However, we know that’s not the case. This parable is about the kingdom of God and this invitation is one that everyone should say yes to.

In this parable, I think Jesus is saying, “in or out.”  Are you willing to walk away from your current life, with its obligations, and follow Jesus?  Has the word of God penetrated your life and abused you of your current state, enticing you to seek God’s kingdom?  If so, it means you will have to give up on your plans and accept his plans for you.  They may be lame excuses, but to attend the banquet you will still have to give them up.

Application

What are the things in your life that are keeping you from saying yes to this invitation?  This question is not intended to be heavy, but rather instructive.  I think if you spend some time thinking about it, you will find that most of these excuses are not as important to you as they first seem.  Also, I think you will find that doing this will prepare you for the Perl of Great Price.  Spend time coming up with your best excuse.  I’m sure you can do better than the lame ones in this parable.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that You show me all that holds me back from following You in all things.  Let me know what things I hold more valuable that following You, and I pray for the grace to release them to Your care.  Trusting in Your sufficiency, always.  Amen.