Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 14:17-18 KJV
Luke 14:17-18 KJV
(17) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
(18) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
Today’s Devotional Is FOOLISH EXCUSES
This parable shows that life’s temptations can be found in three directions. Our Property. We reach out to the city that has foundations as long as we remain strangers and pilgrims with no land to call ours. We are often preoccupied with a field and its meaning when we purchase it. It is necessary to plan and lay out the fields for construction, as well as the crops that will be grown. We also think about how we can make it more profitable. So, even though we are outwardly diligent in our religious observances, our affections do not rest on the things above (Col_3 :1-4).
Our Activities. It is fine to have a team of oxen. However, it is noble to cultivate virgin soil and make corn for our fellow workers. The motor-car and the traction engine are the counterparts to the oxen in Christ’s day. These things are all amazing and keep our minds busy. They become so interested in these things that they don’t have the energy or time for other things. Although they may not be able to say no to Christ’s invitations, their polite and urbane excuses cover a practical refusal: “I pray that Thee forgive me.”
Our Family and Home. These were not criticized by Our Lord. Is it possible that He did not honor a wedding feast by His Presence and first miracle? He also knows that when we are surrounded with all the pleasures and comforts associated with material happiness, we tend to forget about the spiritual life.
These excuses were shallow. The land wouldn’t have vanished if its owner didn’t visit it for a day. The cattle were certain to have been proven already or they would never have been purchased. The newly married wife should have been with her husband. There was ample space for them both. Let us respond to Christ’s love for us, lest He reject us at the end (Heb_12.25).
PRAYER for Today
We ask Thee, our most generous God, to protect us from the worries of this life so that we don’t get too caught up in them. AMEN.