Scripture:  But He said to him, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; 17 and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses...(Luke 14: 16-18  NASB)

Observation:  The parable mentioned above talks more in detail of how a master invited people to his dinner but one by one they gave excuses that they couldn't come because of this or that.  The excuses are given later in the chapter but what came to mind is that for some reason they didn't think it was important to attend.  Basically this parable is about feasting with The Lord, accepting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, it means being restored in an eternal relationship with the most High God through Jesus Christ, it means we can partake of all the blessings The Lord has for us.  And yet the invited guest chose not to.....auwe!

Application:  Later in the chapter of the parable the master instructs the slave to "compel" others to come to his dinner.  He tells the slave this in verse 23: "23 And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled."  In other words the master is telling the slave to go beyond the immediate surroundings and start hitting the highway in the outer parts of their home and even along the hedges (outskirts of town).  He tells him to "compel" them, strongly encourage them, repeat yourself if necessary, go out of your way to draw them to this dinner.  This is what we as followers of Christ are to do when evangelizing and reaching out to those that are still lost and without Christ in their lives.  This in fact is the referenced scripture of our dna and core mission of Heart of Aloha Church.  We are to keep going out further from where we are and let people know about the good news (gospel).  This is the "great commission" that is mentioned in Mathew 28:19-20...it applied then with Jesus' disciples and still applies to us as Christians.

Prayer:  Lord while I still have breath on this earth give me the strength, wisdom and direction to carry through your commandment of going and reaching others for your Kingdom.  Help me to be unrelentless and passionate even more as the day draws closer to your return.  Let their be no letting up of your "fire" within me to "compel" others to your banqueting table so they too may taste of your goodness.....in Jesus name....Amen