Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 9, 2024
Luke 14:15-24
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. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’”
Good Morning! Jesus is inviting us to come!
How is it with your soul today? What is filling your plate? Errands? Work? Family needs?
When we consider the story of Jesus gathering the disciples, those he called were expected to drop whatever they were doing and follow him. We know the names of some who followed, but those who were too busy are lost in the story.
Being a Christian is a 24/7 calling. It is more than attending worship services, council meetings, choir practice, and monthly dinners. What excuses might we give if called to come right now? “Hey Jesus, let me finish folding my laundry.” “Today is not a good day, but I’m free two weeks from now.” “I’d love to come with you, but . . .”
When Jesus walked among us, he gathered in those who were waiting to be called: the outcasts, the weak, the lost, and the sick. Those living a good life couldn’t see any benefit to coming to this man who wandered around talking to the least of these. They lived very comfortably in their fancy homes filled with abundant food.
It is easy to be blinded by our earthly possessions. Think of a bright sunny day where you can’t see because the sun's glow is so bright that everything beyond it is a blur. Do our things glow so brightly that the path to eternal life is too blurry to define?
Jesus is calling us. Are we ready to let go and follow him? Follow the divine light of the one who came to save us all.
Will you come and follow me, if I but called your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Dear Lord, We are your children! We get distracted by all that glitters in our earthly existence. Help us clearly see that path you lay before us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What is Jesus’ invitation for us today?
Answer the call! Pastor Liz
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