30 Days - an Overview of the Bible in Just Thirty DaysНамуна

Accept the Royal Invitation

Luke 14:15–24

Jesus is saying that the Christian life (life in the kingdom of God) is like a banquet. He himself is the host and we experience the lavish hospitality and love of God through him. The other guests are fellow members of the kingdom and especially ‘the poor, the blind and the lame’. So here we experience not only God’s love but the love of other Christians as well. We find meaning and purpose in knowing God. We find life beyond death. Our hunger for forgiveness is satisfied. When we spend time with Jesus in prayer, reading the Bible or serving others, we will find that the Holy Spirit is more satisfying than anything else the world could provide.

So, why would anyone not want to be at this party?

In the story Jesus told, all the guests say they are ‘too busy’. For some it is their work, for others their possessions and for others it is relationships. Yet, Jesus’ words ring true today: when people are invited to the great party of the kingdom of God, ‘all alike [begin] to make excuses’ (v.18).

• They say, ‘I have no need of God’

When people say this, they usually mean that they are quite happy without God. What they fail to realise is that our greatest need is not happiness but forgiveness. It takes a very proud person to say that they have no need of forgiveness.

• Some might say, ‘There is too much to give up’

Sometimes, God puts his finger on an area of our lives which we know is wrong, and we realise that we would have to give things up in order to fully enjoy this relationship with God through Jesus.

But remember this: God loves you and he asks us only to give up things that ultimately harm us. If I saw some small children playing with a sharp knife, I would tell them to stop, not to ruin their fun but to stop them from getting hurt. Furthermore, what we give up is nothing compared to what we receive. The cost of not becoming a Christian is far greater than the cost of becoming a Christian, and what we give up is nothing compared to what Jesus gave up for us when he died on the cross for us.

• Others say, ‘There must be a trap’

Sometimes it’s hard to accept that there is anything free in this life. It all sounds too easy; there must be some hidden trap. But the gift of life Jesus gives us, when we put our trust in him is completely free. It is free for us, but it was not free for Jesus. He paid for it with his own blood. It may be easy for us. But it was not easy for him.

• Then there’s, ‘I’m not good enough’

Not one of us is good enough. Nor can we ever make ourselves good enough for God. But that is why Jesus came. He made it possible for God to accept us just as we are, whatever we have done and however much of a mess we might have made of our lives.

• Some say, ‘I could never keep it up’

You are right to think you could never keep it up – you can’t by yourself. But the Spirit of God, who comes to live within you, gives you the power and the strength to keep going as a Christian.

• And then finally: ‘I’ll do it later’

This is perhaps the most common excuse. Sometimes people say, ‘I know it’s true – but I am not ready’. They put it off. But the longer we put it off, the harder it becomes and the more we miss out on the love of God, freedom, and forgiveness. Why should we not want these riches right now? We never know whether we will get another opportunity. Speaking for myself, my only regret is that I did not accept the gift earlier.

How then do you get to the banquet?

There is both an invitation – ‘Come, for everything is now ready’ – (v.17) and a command – ‘Make them come in’ (v.23). It is the love of Christ that draws us to himself (2 Corinthians 5:14). What do you have to do to accept the invitation?

1. Change your mind

This is the meaning of the word repentance. If you have not accepted the invitation before, say, ‘I am sorry. I have made a mistake. I have changed my mind and I want to come.’

2. Accept the invitation

Thank Jesus that he has made abundant and eternal life possible through the cross, and put your trust in him.

3. Come and enjoy

Come to the banquet. Come and meet the host, Jesus Christ. Come and eat and drink. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

If you've not yet accepted the invitation, here is a prayer you could pray:

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life (take a few moments to ask his forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything which I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.

Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift.

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

References

© Nicky Gumbel, 2024

This reading plan is adapted from the book 30 Days by Nicky Gumbel. It is published by Hodder and Stoughton in the UK, and by HarperCollins Christian Publishing in the USA.