By

Shelby G. Floyd

On one occasion, Jesus went to the home of a prominent Pharisee for dinner. A man sitting at the table with Jesus said, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15). His statement provided Jesus the context to teach the parable of The Great Banquet. The man giving the banquet sent out invitations and when it was time for the banquet he said, “Come, for everything is now ready” (Luke 14:16). The blessings to be found in the kingdom of God, is much like the blessings provided at the great banquet.

But they all made excuses for not going to the great banquet:

“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” (Luke 14:18-20).

The world has not changed much today as far as making excuses for not doing the will of God. Many Christians today make excuses for their lack of interest in the work and worship of the church. For example, some go out for dinner on Saturday night or to some place of amusement and stay out until very late. And then they make the excuse that they did not feel well and therefore could not come to Sunday school and worship.

Others give the excuse that they have worked very hard all week putting in many hours. They state they have gotten up very early and did not get home from work until very late. In their mind since Sunday morning is the only morning in the week that they can sleep late, God will accept this excuse for not going to worship. They ask God to accept their excuse, but they would not offer the same excuse to their boss for not going to work. Disobeying God’s Word and not carrying out our duty is sinful.

Since Christ came down from heaven and lived among us and spoke to us the will of God, we are without excuse when we do not fulfill our responsibility. Jesus once said concerning people who were rejecting him, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin” (John 15:22). Let us do what we say we are going to do and stop making excuses.

Copyright © 2021 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142