“And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” (Luke 14:22-24 KJV).
These passages provide the core of the Parable of the Great Banquet, illustrating that because the primary invited guests (representing the descendants of Israel who have become captive by religion) rejected God's invitation, the doors are opened to the marginalized, the poor, and the Gentiles. God’s grace is universal, yet the final warning highlights that those who reject His invitation will miss the kingdom. Yes, the Master declares: “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:24 NIV).
The Master’s order to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” is pointing to God’s mandate of the universality of His grace. This is directing to go to the uncivilized gentiles, the pagan worshippers, the heathen and all those hidden in dark alleys of the gentile world, announcing their invitation to come to the table of God’s grace. Seats are set for them at the banquet of salvation by grace. They just need to look on the Son - our Lord Jesus Christ, come, believe and take the seats! This is unmerited favor of grace! This, the Lord Jesus affirms: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”” (John 6:40 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
1 comment:
Amen.
Praise God for HIS Grace
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