#1167. Invite the unlikely (16/10/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. Today, from Luke 14:12-14, we reflect on how Christ-like hospitality and friendship is to mark God’s people.

Luke 14:12–14

To watch this devotional, select the link below:

https://youtu.be/u7OHubJhU5A

‘Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”’ (Luke 14:12-14)

Luke 14:12–14

Susan Boyle, an unknown woman from a small village in Scotland, lived a quiet life and cared for her elderly mother. When she auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, her appearance and humble background led many to underestimate her. However, when she began singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables, her powerful voice stunned both the audience and judges. Despite being an unlikely candidate for fame, she became an overnight sensation, gaining international recognition. Her story is a testament to how unlikely people, and people we can overlook, can be supremely talented and achieve great things.

I include this example of Susan Boyle because many dream of a moment when they - the overlooked - come out of the shadows and into the limelight. However, although this may happen, our appetite for this romantic breakthrough moment may reveal that we have not yet come to accept God’s love as we need to. Only God can fill, what is often called, the hole in our heart. We must all beware of trying to be ‘fixed’ through achievement and human acceptance.

Jesus’ words in our text point to how God invites us to feast with Him and on Him. In our minds and hearts, despite our struggles, we need to know that God invites us to know Him now and forever. Knowing this leads to healing. Only on this foundation can be receive other forms of success in a healthy fashion.

Finally, Having seen that these words speak of how the love of God needs to fill our hearts and minds, we are also being called to invite the unlikely into our lives, our churches and help them to come to Jesus. We are to love the way that we have been loved. As God invited us to the feast, we are to invite others to our feasts. If we only spend our time with other Christians how can we ever expect to bring others to Jesus?

Let’s pray together

“Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to be in your kingdom and family. Help me, by your Spirit, to make your invitation to those to whom you lead me. Amen.”