LOVE'S COMPULSION

Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:23 NKJV)

We can never estimate the yearning love of God for the souls of men. He sees us absorbed with farming and industry; business and pleasure; with our homes and family life, and knows that these will all pass away, as a dream before the first touch of eternity. With intense passion He desires that we shall be really satisfied with abiding joys.

The feast that He spreads is abundant and ready (Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 55:1-2). A banquet is a festive time. As the guests sit together, there is the brilliant flow of conversation, the sparkle of laughter, the enjoyment of the good things provided, the interchange of friendship and fellowship. Everything that a feast stands for God is waiting to give us. "He gives us richly all things to enjoy." How strange it is that men, mocked by the evil one, are deceived into forfeiting their places at the banqueting table, which God has spread for them!

The Jewish people were first bidden, but they were too much occupied with material things to respond to the gracious invitation. The excuses offered were shallow and stupid; the real reason lies much deeper, in the reluctance of the soul to arouse itself to lay hold of the life which is life indeed! But God's purpose of love cannot be defeated (Luke 13:28-30; Acts 13:45-48).

"Go out into the highways and hedges.'" Here is our work as His servants! The high roads, along which the streams of commerce and pleasure, weddings and funerals, statesmen and business men, young men and women, housewives and children are constantly passing! The hedgerows are the quiet sequestered lanes of the country side, now covered with spring flowers, and again with autumn tints. The up-to-date automobile, or the slow jogging country wagon are symbols of different modes of life, but the souls that use them alike need the message of good news. Let's go forth and constrain them to come in that our Master's house may be filled!

PRAYER

Blessed Lord, have mercy upon those who reject the invitation of Your love! Take from us all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of Your Word; and so bring us home, dear Lord, to Your flock, that we may be saved, and become one flock under the Great Shepherd of souls. I plead this in Jesus' name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #257:
I will train you for battle with My shield of salvation.

Psalm 18:34-35 (WEB)
34 He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation.
Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.