by Michael E. Brooks

"... A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses" (Luke 14:16-18).

Twenty-three Christians traveled to Narayanghad from Badurjahula for our two day Bible Study and workshop. Because there was a dispute over a bridge which Park authorities had closed to bus traffic, the bus companies had called a strike and no transportation was available. These brothers and sisters, including two very old "grandmothers" walked sixteen hours one way in order to attend our session. We were able to halve their return walk by providing hired cars to take them much of the way.

Now just why is it that we cannot worship God on Sunday? "I don't feel real good"? "The Church meets in an inconvenient location"? "The air conditioner is always too cold (or too hot)"? "The preacher keeps us too long"? "I need one day to sleep in"? Should we perhaps rethink our complaints?

In Jesus' parable of the great supper, he is harsh with those who put their own interests and desires ahead of God's. The master (obviously intended by Jesus to represent God) declares, "none of those men who were invited (and who offered excuses for their refusal to come) shall taste my supper" (Luke 14:24). God is not fooled by our pretensions. He knows our hearts and our abilities. Excuses will not appease him or prevent his anger at our rejection of His grace.

God has indeed prepared a great feast for us. His son has come, redeeming us from sin and making us able to enter God's presence. His invitation has gone out. All is ready for our eternal enjoyment. Why will we not come? Is there some trivial excuse for our refusing his great supper? Do we think God will overlook our rejection, or agree that we have adequate reason? Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). What possible reason can we offer for refusing?