When was the last time you got invited to be part of a special occasion? Was it a wedding or a concert? A graduation or a birthday party? And when you got that invitation, did you go? Or was there something else that stood in the way?

Well, I’d imagine that most of us get a variety of invitations. And sometimes, there are legitimate reasons we can’t accept them. And other times, I’d imagine, we could accept…but don’t. We’ve got other priorities and would much rather focus on those. But what if our response to some invitations has the potential to change our lives?

In today’s word from Luke 14, Jesus talked about an invitation like that. “A certain man was preparing a great banquet,” Jesus said, “and invited many guests. And at the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all began to make excuses.” (vs. 16-18)

And most of those excuses, I’d imagine, sound kind of familiar. “I’ve got an opportunity to get ahead, and I don’t want to waste it.” “I just bought some stuff, and I want to use it.” “Things have been really busy, and I need a break.”

And I can’t help but wonder if Jesus is constantly inviting us to the joyful celebration that is the kingdom life. He’s inviting us to spend time with him, or to serve others, or to invest in the relationships that draw us closer to God. But far too often, we’re missing out, because our hearts and minds are elsewhere.

Well, in Jesus’ story, that certain man said to his servants, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (vs. 21, 23)

Today, the Lord continues to call: “The celebration is starting! Won’t you come?” So, let’s not miss out on the best invitation ever. Amen.