My 4th Annual Lunch Party

Last Friday I had my 4th Annual Lunch Party at work.  When I sent out the invites, I ask them to bring a dish to share and stated that this is a time to get to know your co-workers, to find out what is going on in their lives - things that we are too busy at work to discuss.  For a short time, it is come and go - grab something to eat, visit a bit, then go on your way. 

I wanted to be sure that we had plenty of food so I made a huge roaster pan full of taco soup, 2 dozen deviled eggs, a huge container of Greek salad, 2 trays of banana pudding and salsa.  I was ready to feed a bunch of people.  Not because I had to to do this - but because I wanted to - wanted people to find out who people really are.  I wanted it to be a fun time, a break from work and rushing through lunch.

I had the room all set, the food out.  One person brings in a bowl of pasta salad (very good, btw).   Earlier another person had given me two bags of tortilla chips to go with my salsa - that they had asked for me to make.  I waited.  It was all ready. 

Finally, a couple people came in.  We never had more than 5 people in the room at one time, I don't think.  As the time I had allotted for this 'lunch party' was coming to a close, I invited men who were in our building doing some moving of furniture for us.  They were so appreciative.

As I sat at the table and watched the 6 or 7 men come in to get something to eat, I was reminded of Matthew 22.  Jesus tells the story of the rich man who prepared a wedding feast, but when those who were invited refused to come, he brought in others from the street.    As I thought about the parable, I realized that although I had invited over 60 people to come to my lunch party, and 95% of the people accepted, only 8 came who I had invited.   The rest that came were those that others had invited to come, knowing I had all this food and no one to eat it.  One friend who came told me that someone had commented to her that I needed to invite those who would come - meaning leave the management out and invite the co-workers - they are the ones who would appreciate the luncheon. 

Isn't that what we do sometimes?  Jesus invites us to sit and feast with Him in His Word, but we find other things to busy ourselves with and don't take the time.  He opens opportunities for us to be used for His Glory - only we want to just go chill in front of the TV.  He nudges us to call someone, and we go shopping instead.   We accept the invitation to His luncheon, but we busy ourselves with other things when the time comes.

Jesus is giving you an invitation - to spend time with Him, to be used by Him.  You accepted the invitation to ask Jesus into your heart.  What are you doing with His invitation now?

Blessings!