Morning Devotional 100525 Your Table is Ready! Have a Seat!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 5, 2025 

Luke 14:15-23

15 When one of the dinner guests heard Jesus’ remarks, he said to Jesus, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom.” 16 Jesus replied, “A certain man hosted a large dinner and invited many people. 17 When it was time for the dinner to begin, he sent his servant to tell the invited guests, ‘Come! The dinner is now ready.’ 18 One by one, they all began to make excuses. The first one told him, ‘I bought a farm and must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I bought five teams of oxen, and I’m going to check on them. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 When he returned, the servant reported these excuses to his master. The master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go quickly to the city’s streets, the busy ones and the side streets, and bring the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.’ 22 The servant said, ‘Master, your instructions have been followed and there is still room.’ 23 The master said to the servant, ‘Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled.

Good Morning! The feast is ready! Come!

Yesterday, we spoke of God’s invitation to come! Jesus says, “Come, the feast is ready.” “Come, and I will give you rest.” “Come, I am the light of the world!” Whether we are hungry, tired, or stumbling in the dark, Jesus invites us to come and promises to fulfill our needs. 

Today is World Communion Sunday! This is a day when Christians from around the world come to the table that has been prepared by our Lord and Savior. Come and eat, I have prepared a place for you at the table. 

Do we make excuses, or do we drop whatever we’re doing and just come? I see Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John dropping their nets overflowing with fish from the best night’s catch ever, but they drop them and come. 

Multitudes have answered the call before us and come, but remember, we are traveling the less-worn path. The number who have made their excuses and said, “Thanks, maybe next time,” is a number beyond my comprehension. It saddens me to think of God’s children living in darkness who thought/think they had/have everything and didn’t/don’t need what Jesus offers to all. 

Are you ready to come? The feast is waiting! Come to the table and feast with all God’s children around the world on this World Communion Sunday! Even if your feet are dusty or your clothes are torn, you are welcome. Whether this is your first time or your first time in a very long time, Jesus welcomes you. God desires for all to come and enjoy the feast.

Come! The table is ready! 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Don’t let us pass up this opportunity to come; let us not pass it by. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Christ sets a table and invites everyone to come.

Your seat is available! Pastor Liz