I Can Not Come . . .

How would you like to have the job of putting a first rate party together? You know, some great party that everyone wants to go to. One amazing, lavish, smashing good party. One that would be recognized by so many & everyone will want to be on the list to attend. I think that would be an ideal occupation.

What more could you ask for than to be the one to not just put it together but take care of even the minutest detail. Everything from food and coffee, to what colour for the décor and you get to pick the table settings. Decide how many at each table and who sits with who. Then the entertainment and of course you would pick the MC and the guest of honour. I know there is some out there already planning it all in your head. You may in fact have your resume in hand ready to apply.

In Matthew 22 Jesus talks about just one such banquet that His Father has prepared and everyone who was invited had some lame excuse why they couldn’t come. Take a moment to go and read this passage and see if you can find yourself in it's words. We even have a hymn telling about the results; “I Cannot Come.” Interestingly, Christmas is one such banquet. It is to celebrate Christ’s birth and He is the guest of honour. We are all invited to come, and we do show up, but I want to ask you, what do we come for?

Every Sunday, in most churches we do a lot of preparation getting ready to come to the dress rehearsal of Heaven’s Banquet. You and I are invited. We show up and step into the presence of God, and see Jesus sitting at His right hand. Then we realize, even though He invited us, it’s not about me and how well I’m dressed or do l like what is being served, it is all about Him. And we are changed in some small way each and every Sunday because we come to Him practicing, preparing and getting ready for the real Heaven’s Banquet. Are you ready? No? Then come and practice with us and get prepared.

Something to think about.

Rob