THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

97In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul speaks of “Christ’s love that compels us.” While the strategyin inviting people to Christ might be aggressive and persuasive, the motive must be love. Suchlove will keep us from abusive, manipulative evangelistic practices in compelling people toembrace Christ.God wants His house “full” (v. 23).The phrase “a taste of my banquet” (v. 24) implies joy. Christianity is not a joylessreligion. Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God which blossoms from a thankful andcompassionate heart. The 15th century mystic Julian of Norwich said,"The greatest honor that you can give to Almighty God, greater than all yourpenances and sacrifices and mortifications, is to live joyfully because of theknowledge of his love."Once we understand that God is love we cannot help but be joyful. Not only is God lovebut unchanging love, constant in His love for us. Therefore we can trust Him to look after us inall circumstances.love.All our gifts and talents are from the Lord. But our trust, that is ours. Joy is trusting God'sThis invitation also contains a warning for those who refuse it or who approach thewedding feast unworthily. While grace is a free gift, it is also an awesomeresponsibility. Dieterich Bonhoeffer contrasts "cheap grace" and "costly grace" by pointing outthat“costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift whichmust be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costlybecause it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man hislife, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."1God invites each of us to his banquet that we may share in his joy. Are you ready to feastat the Lord's banquet table?APPLICATIONWhat are the lessons Jesus wants us to learn from this parable? We need to look to thisparable for an example on how we should react to peoples’ excuses.