And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, "Come, for everything is now ready." But they all alike began to make excuses. Luke 14:17-18a
I like Australians. They are a fun-loving, hard-playing group of people. Apparently, they, like many of us, are also very creative.
Recently, Australia's The Sunday Telegraph noted some excuses Australians have used to talk their way out of speeding tickets. Some of the more creative explanations were these:
As imaginative as those explanations are, they will pale in comparison to those the Lord will hear on Judgment Day when He asks, "Why didn't you believe?" Many responses to that question will astound and amaze.
There is one excuse I hope our gracious God doesn't hear on that day. I hope no one will honestly be able to say, "I was never told about Jesus."
With the completion of the Savior's mission and sacrifice, the Lord has made it possible for every man, woman, and child to be brought to faith, to be forgiven, and saved. To that end, at His Ascension, Jesus entrusted us with the sharing of His story of salvation.
Did I say there was one excuse I hope God doesn't hear on Judgment Day? Let's make that two: He shouldn't have to hear us explain why we didn't get the job done.
Today, we have the resources and the ability to work on that blessed Commission. This is why -- without any excuses -- I encourage all of us to share the salvation story whenever we can, wherever we can, to whomever we can, and as often as we can.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You may have noticed people are pretty good at making excuses. We gladly explain why we did things that are wrong, while neglecting to do things that are right. Forgive us the past. In the future empower us to be Your witnesses to those around us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
By God's grace, this devotion is freely shared with you. Still, I don't know all the people who need it or should read it. Won't you forward it to that someone? Direct them to sign up for the DD's at: http://www.lhm.org/email/register.asp. You may also click the "Forward this devotion to a friend" link below.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 9-11 Matthew 25:31-46
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