In Luke 14 someone declares to Jesus, “Happy are those who will feast in God’s kingdom!”

Jesus’ illustration that follows gives a chilling thought: Not all will feast. Some will just refuse.

They are invited. The invitations are given without hiding anything. The invitations are given ahead of time. But people find all kinds of excuses not to come. Those who thought they would just be “in” felt it was okay to turn down the invitation. “The host will understand.”

Well, to a certain point…

Then, these chilling words: “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will taste my dinner.” (Luke 14:24, CEB)

Jesus has prepared the table. Our greatest loss will be trying to do our own agenda, taking our sweet time, and making the horrible assumption that “Jesus will understand.”

It’s not our kingdom, friends. It is his kingdom… and when he invites, will we respond?

Lord, give us hungry hearts, listening ears, and the will to respond.

The feast is ready.