ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
June 26, 2021
Scripture: Luke 14:16-18a
Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, “Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses.
Thought for the Day: The great dinner is a metaphor for the divine banquet, the fullness of God experienced in the Kingdom of God. Yet for Jesus, the Kingdom of God wasn’t entirely about some future world. His focus was on transforming the current world. Every meal where he joined others, he used the experience to give them a taste of the Kingdom. How often have we been invited to taste and experience and share in a Kingdom moment, but we were quick with an excuse – too busy, laundry piling-up, homework assignment overdue, car needs an oil change, new show on Netflix. If we are going to be agents of change in this world on behalf of God, then we need to make sure we have some sense of what the desired outcome might be. When invited into those experiences that point to God’s vision, let’s not ignore them, but join them. Where might God be inviting you to experience the Kingdom of God right now?
Prayer: Allow for the Kingdom moments to shape me as a citizen of your Kingdom, O Lord. Whether it is a meal of welcome and abundance, or an experience of humble service, give me reason to pause, to pay attention and to learn. Amen.
