Today's Passage - Luke 14:15-24

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 14:15-24   Jesus replied: 'A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.   At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, "Come, for everything is now ready."  But they all alike began to make excuses.  The first said, "I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me."  Another said, "I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'"  Still another said, "I just got married, so I can't come."  The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame."  "Sir," the servant said, "what you ordered has been done, but there is still room."  Then the master told his servant, "Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.  I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."'   Jesus used the analogy of a wedding to describe life.  When we were young, we thought that we would be satisfied if we could just enjoy the moment.  When we looked back, we did own moment that were memorable eternally, but they seemed short, almost nonexistent.  So what is it that can truly satisfy our soul?  Jesus said here that God has already prepared abundant life for all of us.  This abundant and meaningful life is like a feast; God has invited everyone to come enjoy the feast, so that we can have peace, joy and satisfaction in God.  Unfortunately, many people ignore the invitation by God, thus cannot enjoy the feast that He prepared, just like the three people in this passage.  They turned down the invitation to the feast of abundant life because, first, they didn't know their real need; they thought that material possession, career and family will satisfy them.  At the end, however, they will be like what Psalm 90 described: "...yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away," and nothing could bring them satisfaction.  The second reason was that they didn't understand how precious the salvation of Jesus is, they didn't know that Jesus Christ is our savior and shepherd, and also the best life-long friend we can have.  Third, they don't know that life is short, and many think that they can always think about the question of life when they are old.  But honestly, who have the assurance that they will live till old age?   Living in such a complex and chaotic society, do you really think money and material goods can bring us satisfaction?  Can you always count on your own strength to hang in there?  Let Jesus be your Savoir, so that you life will once again be filled with love, peace, joy and satisfaction!   Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, please give all the non-believers an open heart so that they will accept you as their personal savior, and enter the feast of your abundant life.  When they come to seek you, give them peace, joy and satisfaction.  May you remind us, not allow things of world to steal our sight, and let us follow you faithfully each and every day.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!