The "Great Banquet Parable" is one of my favorite parables that Jesus taught. I like it for so many reasons. It is filled with numerous life lessons. Of course the most important being the invitation to join God's banquet table. But one thing that always struck me as interesting was the people who made excuses when they received the invitation. They went to great extremes to make up a reason why they could not attend the dinner. Or perhaps, they wanted to attend but they let other things get in the way.
This week Jeff and I were invited to dinner by a couple we both knew. The invitation came as somewhat of a surprise. Although we knew this couple on a professional level, I would say we were not close friends at all. Not that we wouldn't want to be friends, we just never had an opportunity to socialize with them outside of work commitments. I admire both of these individuals immensely. They are brilliant, highly educated people, who have achieved much success. I would say they are even considered "famous" in their respected educational and professional fields. To say I was a little intimated by them would be an understatement. So when we got the invitation I immediately began to think of excuses why I couldn't go. First, I didn't want to give up my only free evening of the week to have dinner with someone where I might feel uncomfortable. My schedule is a little crazy now with other commitments and I need that free evening to catch up on household chores. Then my insecurities started in overdrive...."what would we talk about? Their life experiences, numerous college degrees, and accomplishments made me feel so inadequate to even carry on a conversation. Then I wondered why they would even want to have dinner with me? What was the real reason? Do they want something from us? What is up?" .....Gena, always the skeptic....
But, finally we decided we would go. It would be rude to turn down the invitation and honestly throughout the week, I really felt God wanted us to attend this dinner.
So we went........and it was delightful! It ended up being one of the nicest evenings we have had in a long time. The couple was so hospitable. They went above and beyond to welcome us. I discovered they were even more wonderful than I thought and they were fun! The wife had prepared a lovely dinner. The food was an ethnic dish that I had never tasted and it was delicious! After dinner we continued to visit over dessert and coffee. We stayed much later than we thought we would talking about travel, politics, economy, education, family, and Jesus. We were able to share about our faith and they shared their faith. We were encouraged and inspired by their testimony. All and all... It was a great evening and it was just so much fun! We left feeling a little cheated that we hadn't got to know them sooner.
Which got me thinking, how many other times have I let my insecurities, my selfishness, my stubbornness stand in the way of something that God was calling me to do? How many times did God want to use me in a situation and I refused to be used. Or maybe it was something different. How many times did God not want me to do anything... He just wanted to bless me and show favor and just have a lovely evening of sweet fellowship with friends.....I know it has been to many to count. I'm so grateful we serve a God that continues to extend His love and grace to His children.
Oh Dear Lord, next time I give excuses about something you are calling me to do, remind me, if I will just be obedient to your invitation....... You will bless me more than I can even imagine.
"What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the kingdom of God" . Luke 14: 15
