Lunchtable Theology | Tuesday | 9/15

Too Busy for the Feast

Matthew 22:4–5

Again he sent other servants and said to them, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look, the meal is all prepared. I’ve butchered the oxen and the fattened cattle. Now everything’s ready. Come to the wedding party!”’ But they paid no attention and went away—some to their fields, others to their businesses.

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Some of the invited guests did not refuse because they hated the king.

They were simply occupied.

One went to a farm. Another went to a business.

Those are not evil things. Work matters. Responsibility matters. Providing for ourselves and others matters.

But even good things can become barriers when they convince us that we do not need what God is offering.

The parable names two temptations here: self-reliance and the pursuit of wealth. One person essentially says, I have my own produce to tend to. Another says, I have business to take care of.

Meanwhile, a feast has already been prepared for them.

Sometimes we are so busy building our own lives that we miss the life God is offering.

Grace can be refused not only through open rebellion, but through distraction.

Reflect: 

What good thing in your life is most likely to crowd out your attention to God?

Pray: 

God, keep me from becoming so consumed with what I can build, earn, control, or accomplish that I miss what you have already prepared for me. Teach me to receive your invitation. Amen.