Text: Luke 14:1-24.
In this passage, Jesus is an invited dinner guest at the home of a Pharisee. The Pharisees watch to see what he will do. You see, it's the Sabbath, and they've also invited a man with dropsy. Did they want to hear his wisdom or did they want to entrap him?
Jesus talks to them about doing good on the Sabbath. He then heals the man. I'm sure that guy was happy Jesus cared about him.
The Pharisees exalted themselves and looked down at Jesus. Their do's and don't's meant more to them than loving people. They didn't love Jesus or honor him, but criticized and denounced him.
Jesus goes on to tell them a story about a man, who sends out dinner invitations. Everyone makes an excuse why they can't attend. So, he tells his servant to go and summon the lame, the blind, and others because he's determined his house will be filled. Those who made excuses weren't grateful. In their eyes, the dinner was just another event, not an exalted event.
In my life, I can be exalted, or things, or animals, or other people. If God is not exalted above all, then I will find myself behaving like those who made excuses and rejected the invitation. Don't allow the blessings, the good things of life to distract you from the Giver. Stay in an attitude of gratitude.
If you'd like to hear the entire message, check out the Sermon Player at our website. You can also download it FREE to your MP3 player.
No comments:
Post a Comment