What excuses do we make that hinder our commitment to God's kingdom today? The Scene in Luke 14:18 “ ‘They all alike began to make excuses. The first one said, “I have bought a field and I must go see it. Please excuse me.” ’ ” (Luke 14:18) Jesus is telling a parable about a great banquet—an image of God’s kingdom invitation. The RSVPs are out, the feast is ready, yet invitees walk away with flimsy reasons. Nothing has changed; we still reach for rational-sounding exits when wholehearted commitment feels costly. Three Classic Excuses in the Parable 1. Property: “I bought a field.” • Possessions, investments, projects needing attention. 2. Livelihood: “I bought five yoke of oxen.” (v. 19) • Career, business expansion, tools of trade. 3. Family Ties: “I just got married.” (v. 20) • Relationships and life milestones that become spiritual stall points. Modern Translations of These Excuses • “I’d love to serve, but my schedule is slammed with work.” • “Once I’m financially secure, I’ll give more time to ministry.” • “Family weekends are sacred; church can wait.” • “School sports dominate Sundays right now.” • “I need ‘me-time’—reading my Bible can happen later.” • “After retirement I’ll go on mission trips.” Each sounds reasonable—yet each quietly places something or someone above the King who invites. Excuses Expose Priorities • Luke 12:34: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve both God and money.” • Luke 9:59-62: would-be disciples delay for funerals and farewells—Jesus answers, “No one who looks back is fit for the kingdom.” Excuses reveal competing loves; they are spiritual litmus tests. Why They Hurt Us • We lose the joy of immediate fellowship (Psalm 16:11). • We model half-heartedness to children and peers (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Delays harden into habits, making future obedience tougher (Hebrews 3:13). • The kingdom invitation moves on to others who will say yes (Luke 14:21-24). Scripture’s Call to Responsive Obedience • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” • Ephesians 5:15-16: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” • 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the day of salvation.” • James 4:17: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” How to Lay Down Excuses • Examine: List recurring reasons you decline kingdom opportunities; invite the Spirit’s spotlight (Psalm 139:23-24). • Reprioritize: Align calendar and budget with kingdom first-place status. • Simplify: Release possessions or commitments that clutter obedience (Hebrews 12:1). • Integrate: Fold family, work, and hobbies into kingdom service instead of letting them compete with it. • Decide Quickly: Practice immediate “yes” in small prompts—call, visit, give, volunteer. Momentum grows. • Remember the Feast: Keep the vision of the coming banquet vivid (Revelation 19:9). Joy outweighs the cost. A Final Encouragement No excuse, however polished, can match the surpassing worth of sitting at the King’s table. Say yes today; the banquet is already prepared. |
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