Whether it's a birthday party, wedding or retirement party, a lot goes into their planning and execution. That's why the host will often send out an RSVP. We need to know how much food to buy, how big the venue needs to be, and how much money to budget. We neither want to buy too much or run out of food for our guests.
But how would you feel if everyone who replied to your RSVP gave an excuse at the last minute about why they couldn't come? All that planning and expense would go to waste. Jesus tells the story of just that very thing happening.
“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'“ (Luke 14:18-20 ESV).
You know the story. The host was furious and went out and grabbed the poor, the weak, and the forgotten in society to bring to his feast. He then vowed,
“For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'“ (Luke 14:24 ESV).
Jesus then speaks of something that may seem unconnected on the surface, but Dr. Luke places it here for an important reason. Jesus teaches the importance of counting the cost. Who starts a building without first making sure he has enough money to finish it? Or what king does not first count the cost of going to war against a stronger king? (Luke 14:28-32).
So, what's the connection between the feast and counting the cost? Simply, Jesus is teaching the importance of making proper valuations. We do this all the time. When we shop for cars, houses or even vacations, we assess the cost and then decide if we place enough value on that item or experience to warrant that cost.
Jesus invites us all to His feast. He wants us to be there. But we must assess the cost and determine if His invitation is worth it to us. Will we come to His feast and honor the RSVP or will we come to Him with excuses that demonstrate what we really value above Him?
Jesus leaves no doubt where He stands on this:
“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33 ESV).
If we choose something above Him, what will we think of that choice on the Day of Judgment? Will we have truly found value in what we have chosen over Jesus?
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37 ESV).
Why do I bow my knee to King Jesus and confess Him today?
Well, we will all do so someday. I choose to do so now in submission to Him before being forced to do so when He returns.
“for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11 ESV).
Be careful when you watch the news. It may lead you to believe that God isn't in control. The violence of evil men may make you forget that God is sovereign.
God is indeed sovereign. He does what He wants and answers to no man. No circumstance can thwart God's will.
When you begin to fear, remember that you serve a God who is always in control. Those who rebel will soon be held to account.
The evil we see in the world now is short lived. God's eyes are not averted from it. God has not fought and lost control.
Remember God's sovereignty. He will have the last word and hold all evil accountable to Him.
“all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35 ESV).
If we are not thankful for our daily bread, should God teach us thankfulness?
If we don't appreciate our home, should God teach us appreciation?
If we are not content with our possessions, should God teach us contentment?
If we take God for granted, should He teach us reliance?
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17 ESV).
Today is the Lord's day. What are your plans?
Do you put your trust in an all-powerful God or in something else?
Do you feel safe, living in a land with a strong military and separated by two oceans from our enemies?
How can our enemies touch us and bring us low? Perhaps they cannot. But God can.
Without firing a shot, our enemies can bring down the mighty if God ordains it. God can bring in incompetent men and women who do not know how to bridle the strength He has given.
I pray for God's protection, but do not be deceived. Our safety is dependent upon God and God alone. He is the source of any strength and protection we have. We scoff at this to our own peril.
The world is dangerous and unpredictable. There is only one place we can find sure footing in our lives. It is in our God who died for us and purchased us with His blood.
Today is His day. What are your plans?
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.” (Obadiah 1:3-4 ESV).
The next time you think you're having a bad day, remember that it wasn't nearly as bad as the day Satan once had.
As he was prowling about, seeking someone to devour, Satan happened upon a meek lamb. He pounced and killed it.
Three days later, the Lamb returned from the grave as a much bigger Lion and delivered a death blow to Satan that he would never recover from.
Yeah, it was a very bad day for him...
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,” (Hebrews 2:14 ESV).