Jesus said that coming to God is like coming to dinner. To show what He meant, He told this story:
“There was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servants to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’ Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses” Luke 14:15-18.
An excuse is what a person makes when he or she doesn’t want to do something, but doesn’t have a reason. After all, why would people not want to come to a big dinner, especially when the meal is free? Simple. They’re not hungry; at least not for the kind of food being served, or they don’t care for the type of people at the dinner. Dinner is more than just food. It’s fellowship and togetherness between family and friends. In this case, it’s the people who make up the followers of God.
The host figured, “If I make the dinner, they will come.” But they didn’t. So he told his servant, “Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here. The servant reported back, ‘Master I did what you commanded–and there’s still room.’ The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full” Luke 14:21-23!
Looking for hungry people
You see, the host wanted those at his dinner who really wanted to be there. People who were really hungry. The Bible says, “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat” Matthew 5:6.
God’s dinner would not appeal to someone whose appetite has already been satisfied with lollipops and other things. Things like making a lot of money, owning a new house or car, or watching the latest movies.
Then, there are others who are so satisfied with God, that they would rather give up anything rather than miss out on God. God has to be real. All those who love God and like being with him, can’t just be imagining their hunger is satisfied.
God says, “There’s still room. I want my house full!” Why not accept God’s invitation: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see–how good God is” Psalm 34:8!
