July 22

The Ultimate Feast

People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:29).

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Song: “There Is Coming a Day”

Who doesn’t like a good church potluck dinner? When I was a boy, I somehow thought of potato chips every time a fellowship dinner was announced. So I always loaded up my plate with potato chips! Even today, I’m a sucker for chips at a potluck.

The best fellowship dinner ever is still to come. Held in the full manifestation of the coming kingdom, its guests will come from the four corners of the earth. Leading the honored-guest list will be “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets” (v. 28). One song says, “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I will see!”

But not everyone will enjoy this wonderful banquet. Some will be left outside knocking at the door, hearing these awful words: “I don’t know you or where you come from.” They will protest, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught us in our streets.” But our Lord will reply, “I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!” (vv. 25-27).

Jesus is the door to Heaven, but it is a narrow door that leads to the great banquet hall. So I remind myself: Don’t miss Heaven for the world.

Lord God of the future, I look forward with great anticipation to sitting down with all Your beloved ones and feasting in Your kingdom. My tongue confesses You freely now, and I bend my knee to You, so it won’t seem unnatural to do it for eternity. I pray with gratitude in the name of Jesus. Amen.