October 1, 2015:  SOAP #2128:

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 14:16 Jesus replied: A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.”  19 Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” 20 Still another said, “I have just got married, so I can’t come.”… 24 [The Master told his servant] “I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.”

Observation:  The invited guests did not have the same priorities as the one inviting them to the banquet.  Their schedule was worked around their priorities.  His time table did not work into their time table.  His calendar was different than theirs.  There is only one time table that is important — His!   There is only one calendar that is important — His!   The day is fast approaching when Jesus will say, “Come, for everything is now ready.”  Everything must be dropped to follow His call!

Application:   I want to have the same priorities as Jesus.  His assignments are not an imposition on my schedule.  His directives are not interruptions in my day.  My money is His and my budget also.  Even today the Lord may tell me, “Leon, everything is now ready for you to do this, or do that.”  May He not need to tell me twice!

Prayer:   Lord, calling you “Lord” means you are Owner of all my possessions and Master of my calendar.  I commit myself to live like that is true.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!