January 14, 2020: SOAP #3694:  Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

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.’

Observation:  Two things I see from this passage.  First, the priority of the one throwing the banquet was different than the priority of those invited.  Second, those invited were not willing to change their priorities in order to participate in the banquet.

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 14:23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”

Application:   I must take Jesus’ priorities as my priorities.  If Jesus wants me at a banquet—that is worth cancelling all my plans!  If He is really LORD, then I must fit myself into His plans.  What are my plans in comparison to His? I know He loves me, so He will require only that which is good for me.

Prayer:  Lord, using all your wisdom and knowledge you direct my path in love.  I know that it is a great honor to be invited to what you are planning.  What could I ever plan that would be worth missing what you have planned!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!