“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.” – Luke 14:16-18

No Excuses

Two tickets for a Pittsburgh Steelers game? I couldn’t believe my good fortune! My boss gave me two tickets to a Thursday preseason game in the exclusive club level section at Heinz Field. Now I just had to decide who to invite. But that turned out to be a not-so-easy task. Two of my friends already had tickets; two were on vacation; two work at night; three don’t like sports at all; one was struggling under a tight deadline and couldn’t take the time away; one had received a dinner invitation she couldn’t break; another was committed to going to a meeting.

I couldn’t believe it. I laughed to myself, thinking I might have to stand on a street corner and ask passers-by if someone wanted to go with me. I eventually found a friend who was able, and more than willing, to go. But I had to shake my head. I thought it would be so easy to offer someone a free ticket to a Steelers game.

I wonder if God shakes His head as well? What He offers us — eternal salvation through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ — is worth infinitely more than a football ticket. And yet, how many people turn Him down? My friends all had good reasons for not being able to attend the football game, but no one has a good excuse for not accepting the Lord’s offer.

— LOIS THOMSON

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