Tidbits for Thought

INVITATION

Luke 14:16 “A certain man was preparing a great banquet

and invited many guests.”

Christ extended an invitation to the banquet of salvation that

promises that there will be no spiritual hunger or thirst….no

more trembling at the thought of death…no more fear of the

darkness of human life. And He extended it to all people

regardless of race, religion, or social status. The parable also

relates how many refused the invitation for various

superficial reasons.

If the invitation to the banquet of eternal salvation is rejected

when offered in a respectful, loving manner, we are

confronted with the plaintive question of “WHY”? Why is

it that so many choose to ignore the invitation? Why do they

choose to stay in darkness when eternal light is within easy

reach? Why are individuals who at one time embraced the

feast now standing outside the door looking in or completely

looking away? Why are so many driven by hatred rather

than love? Why do so many embrace bigotry and separation

rather than inclusion and fellowship? Why is it easier to turn

away from the truth and embrace the god of “self.”

There is simply no one clear-cut answer of why so many

don’t respond. However, one thing is certain; Christians are

forever responsible for continuing to extend the invitation to

all. Eternity hangs in the balance for the destitute souls who

are floating around in a fog of unknowing and uncaring.

Equally important, the health and growth of the Church

hangs in the balance. The sad fact is that hundreds of

stagnant and apathetic churches throughout the country close

their doors every year, effectively dimming the light of

Christ in their area of influence.

A huge, silent majority of people in this world are looking

for peace and meaning in their lives but don’t know where to

look. They don’t find it in their work lives, they don’t find it

in endless various hobbies and distractions. They don’t find

it in mind bending substances such as drugs and alcohol. In

many cases, a spiritual solution is one they have flirted with

but many have been terribly disappointed with many aspects

of Christianity, especially when they perceive hypocrisy and

double-speak.

Apathy and indifference also play a part in failure to accept

the invitation that Jesus offers them The status quo seems to

be a safe place to be….no questions….no doubt…no action

needed. The perception that the status quo is a safe haven is

quite powerful in many lives, giving rise to the idea that

change is to be feared and avoided at all costs

To touch a suffering world in the name of Christ, we must

combat those mistaken perceptions that close the door of the

banquet to so many in the world. We do that by representing

Him to the world just as He is…. full of love, care,

tenderness, compassion, grace and mercy. Each of us must

be walking, talking and serving sermons that light the area

we occupy. We are urged by Christ himself to reach out and

touch the poor, hurting, worn-out sinner we next encounter.

Think about it!      ~ Aron Smith