ESOCS Devotional 12 October 2022
TEXT: LUKE 14:12-24
MEMORY VERSE: “For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.” Luke 14:24
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
The banquet of life is the feast of the Kingdom; the gathering of the redeemed people to whom the Lord will grant eternal life to live in His presence forever. They would be free from sin and Satan having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They would be free from condemnation and eternity in hell. There the redeemed shall see the face of the Lord as He sits on His throne. There shall be no more hunger, sickness, pain, or sorrow for God shall wipe away tears from their eyes.
This banquet of life is Christ Jesus who God gave for the salvation of man. Jesus in John 6 declares plainly: “I am the bread of life”. In Isaiah 55, there is an open invitation to all to come and freely receive this bread of life. But from this parable, we understand that many are rejecting God’s invitation to come to the banquet of life that they may eat the bread of life. Men are full of excuses for not answering God’s call. A look at the reasons given in this text boils all reasons down to the need to maximally exploit the world and enjoy its comfort. The first was concerned with his property, the second with business, and the third was more concerned with marriage and family life. Whatever the reason, Jesus’s statement in verse 24 referring to all who did not heed the call but rather preferred to pursue issues of their private life is instructive and should be taken seriously by all. He said, “I tell you. Not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.” This is not good news to all who will not partake of the banquet; for to miss this banquet is to miss eternal life with Jesus.
CHALLENGES
- What possible things in today’s world prevent people from dedicating themselves to the Kingdom of God? Enumerate them.
- Why are people influenced by these things?
PRAYERS:
- Father, keep our hearts and mind from those things that keep us from you. Help us sanctify our lives that we may live for you. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 12 October 2022
