May 17, 2019

May 17
Running With Jesus

 Luke 14:12-14 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

     Remember the host in this house was a Pharisee and this is an important fact in the teaching of this text! Let's investigate!  First off, he knows who they would invite to a luncheon should they have one. That would be friends, neighbors or sisters, relatives and rich friends! They did this thinking they will invite them back! Here it is in the Bible exclusion of others and only running with the in crowd and those who return favors to yourself. Now He brings it home! We have to remember they think they have arrived and are the quote "next best to God". But next is the kicker; invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind and you will be blessed! No way Jose, these were the "untouchables" this would make the religious dirty! Wham! bam! They couldn't return the favor back because they were starving, lonely and outcast they should not be seen with them. 
     I know many out there feel like the lower class! I am so glad God does not look at people through the eyes of pride and power! God looks deep into the soul of man and no matter what status, denomination, or race He loves us all! He has issued a ticket for the greatest feast to ever be held. He has sent the ticket to everyone and that is Jesus Christ! He is inviting anyone to come! You must receive the ticket in order to get accesses to the banquet table! 
     Jesus does not care what physical infirmity you may have, how much money is in your bank account, or if you live in the White House or a grass hut! All are invited to join Him! Have you received your ticket? If not, do it NOW!, ask Jesus into your heart! If you have that ticket, rejoice with me today! Look for ways to tell others about the ticket to heaven! Don't just stay in your little group, step outside your box and do something for someone you consider dirty or not in your "group"! Watch being a "groupie" thinking you will get a free ticket to heaven!  It doesn't work that way, stop being self-righteous thinking you have arrived because of the world’s thinking system!

Father, lead us to some soul today needing an invitation, help us recognize them and give us boldness to speak to them about their salvation.  The days are short the wedding feast is being prepared.

Counting the cost, tomorrow!

 
Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015