Banquet Invitation!

For Thursday, July 3, 2025:

Luke 14:18a NLT: “But those invited to the banquet all began making excuses.”

Jesus told this parable of a man who threw a huge banquet for everyone he knew – friends, relatives, business acquaintances. This event was important to the man, but to his friends, apparently not so much. They began concocting excuses explaining why they couldn’t attend. “I just bought a new field and have to inspect it.” “I’m buying new oxen and have to check them out.” “I just got married! Duh!” That may be the only reasonable explanation for missing the banquet!

The disappointed man told his helper, “Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.” These are people who could really use a good meal! When they were seated, empty chairs still remained. “Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” The man would not be denied his celebratory banquet! He concludes, “None of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.” The first will be last.

Jesus’ parable points to the heavenly banquet in the Kingdom of God. Believers in the church are the bride of Christ, and there will be a great wedding feast when everything comes together in God’s time. When you’re invited to that banquet, don’t be wishy-washy! Immediately is the best time to confirm your reservation!

God gives plenty of second chances, but not this time. When we see who’s hosting the event, our answer should be an instantaneous, ‘YES!’

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Servant's Heart!

For Sunday, June 29, 2025:

Luke 14:11 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

A disciple of Jesus should look and act the part. In Jesus’ example, those who think more highly of themselves than they ought may be (embarrassingly) asked to step back. The humble have left room to be moved up, to be honored.

Remember that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve others. If we are to follow in his footsteps, we need to have a servant’s heart. No one could ever repay Jesus for healing their malady. He was kind and helpful without any expectation of repayment.

There’s a saying attributed to the army advising soldiers to never volunteer for anything. Too much extra work, and you never know what you’re getting yourself into. There’s a persistent negative attitude in today’s world where a person’s first response is to say “no.”

But Christians should do the opposite of that. We should be helpful, showing kindness to others, doing the next right thing, because that’s what Jesus would have done. Our first response should be to say yes, or at least find a way to help.

One more thing. Stick with what you’re good at. Ministry is sustainable if we stay in our lane, using the gifts and talents given to us by the Almighty. Jesus talks about rewards for doing the right things: “God will repay you on the day the good people rise from death.” I’m good with God’s promise!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship