Come to the Table: Part 4 - RSVP

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC Online services. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Readings:

Luke chapter 14 verses 12 - 15 (New Living Translation)

Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbours. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!”

 

Prayer & Reflection

Father God, thank you that because of your love and Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we are assured of a place at your table. Thank you Lord, that we can come as we are, in all of our broken-ness. Father, we ask forgiveness for when we have done wrong and today we think especially of times when we have failed to invite people into our lives who need to know your love. By your Spirit, O God, help us to love the unlovely and to see in them your precious Son, Jesus, in his distressing disguise. We ask this in his name. Amen.


Questions to Consider

1. Who do you really enjoy spending time with? Take a minute to praise God for them!
2. Who do you think might really benefit from some of your time? Compare and contrast (be honest!) about how you feel when you think about spending time with those people compared with your “question 1” people!
3. Before inviting people in (for your time, say on a phone call) how might you prepare your personal environment, so that if they accept your invitation they will feel like an honoured guest?
4. How does being an invited, but undeserving guest at God’s banquet table make you feel?
5. Make a list (mental list or written list) of the people you want to pray about – to thank God for, and/or to invite into your life (your time, your space). Who are they? How will you bring them something worthwhile? And when will you regularly pray for them?