Excuses, excuses, excuses
May 19, 2015//
Topics to Dig Into
Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast
and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant
to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making
excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please
excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to
try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t
come.’
and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant
to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making
excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please
excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to
try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t
come.’
Luke 14:16-20 (NLT)
My ears are attuned right now to
discovering Truth in the teaching of Jesus. His most frequent topic was the
Kingdom of God, describing characteristics of the eternal Kingdom and
instructing us about Kingdom living right now.
discovering Truth in the teaching of Jesus. His most frequent topic was the
Kingdom of God, describing characteristics of the eternal Kingdom and
instructing us about Kingdom living right now.
Today we’ll focus on the opening and
closing of this parable. There’s going to be a banquet and the invitees have
received personal invitations. Yet when the host announces “Time for supper”,
they make excuses to not attend. Their lives are too busy. Their things-to-do
list is too long. They want to focus on family.
closing of this parable. There’s going to be a banquet and the invitees have
received personal invitations. Yet when the host announces “Time for supper”,
they make excuses to not attend. Their lives are too busy. Their things-to-do
list is too long. They want to focus on family.
Their excuses expose their
priorities.
priorities.
The story continues, the celebration
goes on, and Jesus completes the story saying none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my
banquet. (Luke 14:24)
goes on, and Jesus completes the story saying none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my
banquet. (Luke 14:24)
Jesus holds us accountable and doesn’t
tolerate excuses.
tolerate excuses.
You, too, have been invited to join
the Kingdom celebration. I’m guessing you have an idea of the Kingdom life
Jesus requires.
the Kingdom celebration. I’m guessing you have an idea of the Kingdom life
Jesus requires.
Do you excuse yourself from
spiritual practices because you’re too busy? Too tired? Too stressed? Too young
or old?
spiritual practices because you’re too busy? Too tired? Too stressed? Too young
or old?
Do you excuse yourself from Sunday
worship because your kids have sports or that’s the only day you can sleep
late?
worship because your kids have sports or that’s the only day you can sleep
late?
If it is important to you, you will
find a way; if not, you will find an excuse. On Judgment Day, God will not
accept lame excuses for failing to grow spiritually, serve others, participate
in Christian fellowship, worship faithfully, or share His Word.
find a way; if not, you will find an excuse. On Judgment Day, God will not
accept lame excuses for failing to grow spiritually, serve others, participate
in Christian fellowship, worship faithfully, or share His Word.
#seedsofscripture
#Jesus #truth #excuses
#Jesus #truth #excuses
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Cathy, I popped over here from Testimony Tuesday, where I read your story. I was curious…and what I just read is the second thing I've read today that relates to what I wrote today on making excuses. So glad I popped over. I love that you delve into scripture, but don't write a dissertation! It's just the right length for busy people, like myself (who is reading blogs and linking up when I ought to be working…no excuses though…)
Mary, Thanks for joining me at Seeds of Scripture and for your encouraging words. Seeds are intended to be small with potential. I try to let God's Word speak for itself and encourage readers to think about it during the day.
I'm a firm believer that there are no coincidences. There's something to the fact that you've read two posts about excuses today. I always perk up when I encounter an idea repeatedly. God will persist in sending a message He has for me from different angles until I notice and respond. Pay attention dear Mary.
Thanks for visiting! Come again soon!