When Jesus asks us to come to a party, are we too busy?
Luke 14:19–20 (NIV84) “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
I know this in context is talking about the ultimate banquet of heaven, but still this principle persists in my mind, am I too busy to enjoy time with Jesus?
When I think about the oxen I think about tools and toys. "I am setting up my new iPad," or "I am putting my new rack on my truck." When I think about the marriage excuse I thought about relationships, friends, girlfriends/boyfriends. "I have a date tonight," or "my friends and I are going bowling." It's not that any of those things are bad, but when Jesus calls us to enjoy a banquet with Him, do we come when we want or when we feel like it? My goodness, it is a banquet! Maybe we think we can have a banquet on our own. We don't need to go anywhere, just make some food here instead. Most of us are busy people with honest excuses, yet, is there an excuse that works?
It may be painful for a moment, but take a look at what you decide to do instead of having time with Jesus. Whether it is a Life Group or a church service or an impromptu prayer meeting, a worship night, or more likely, a time away with Him - alone, what excuses do you use to stay on your own course? No need to beat yourself up, just admit it and tell Him you want to come to the banquet. You want to hang out with Him on His terms. After all, you love being at His banquet table. You never have come away thinking, "that was a waste of time."
Luke 14:19–20 (NIV84) “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
I know this in context is talking about the ultimate banquet of heaven, but still this principle persists in my mind, am I too busy to enjoy time with Jesus?
When I think about the oxen I think about tools and toys. "I am setting up my new iPad," or "I am putting my new rack on my truck." When I think about the marriage excuse I thought about relationships, friends, girlfriends/boyfriends. "I have a date tonight," or "my friends and I are going bowling." It's not that any of those things are bad, but when Jesus calls us to enjoy a banquet with Him, do we come when we want or when we feel like it? My goodness, it is a banquet! Maybe we think we can have a banquet on our own. We don't need to go anywhere, just make some food here instead. Most of us are busy people with honest excuses, yet, is there an excuse that works?
It may be painful for a moment, but take a look at what you decide to do instead of having time with Jesus. Whether it is a Life Group or a church service or an impromptu prayer meeting, a worship night, or more likely, a time away with Him - alone, what excuses do you use to stay on your own course? No need to beat yourself up, just admit it and tell Him you want to come to the banquet. You want to hang out with Him on His terms. After all, you love being at His banquet table. You never have come away thinking, "that was a waste of time."
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