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Oct 31, 2023 18:30pm

The Invitation

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What’s your go-to read?

While traveling for work, I’ll check out an audiobook from the local library app. I really enjoy historical fiction. Especially if they read with an accent. Many of the books I read are around the time of the civil war or before. One thing is for sure, things are not as they once were.
In particular, the idea of introducing a woman to society when she reached a certain age.

In one that I’m reading now, a young lady is the daughter of an apothecary. Her mother ran off three years ago and her father has been caring for her and her disabled brother. The young lady knows all about the medicines and treatments her father uses and helps him in his shop. Her uncle and aunt arrive with a proposition. They want to raise her as their daughter, so to speak, in London. The best schools, proper etiquette, and eventually introduce her to society. What an opportunity for this young woman. In those days, there was no way for her to actually take over her father’s business or even be an apprentice. She was a woman.

In London, she is instructed to keep her past to herself. In society, one must have money and connections. If anyone found out about who she truly was, there would be no invitations to any of the season’s events. She would be an outcast, left to be a spinster. Why? Because she had nothing to offer a prospective husband. She didn’t have a large dowry, a prestigious family name, or a well-known and successful family business. She was just a woman.

Luke 14:12-14

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”

Jesus was still speaking to the Pharisees. A prominent leader had invited Him to dinner and Jesus was teaching them about their shameless pursuit of honor.

If they planned a big feast, an elegant dinner, who should be on the invitation list? The Pharisees would have chosen dignitaries, high-ranking officials, men who could increase their standing and stature. But how far would that truly get them? In this life, it might make them seem important or worthy, but what about heaven? These were the religious leaders. They of all people should know the right thing to do and be an example to others.

Invite those that have nothing to offer you.

It was a statement that hit hard. No doubt, they were confused, thinking that this teacher, this man Jesus has no idea what He’s talking about. But He did.

Jesus has prepared a table for us. He has invited all who are willing to come.

Even me.

And here I am, just a woman.

I have nothing to give. I have nothing to offer. My hands are empty.

But He invites me anyways.

I have accepted His invitation. I feast at His table, celebrating with Him and all those that have come.

Will you?

Friend, whatever you think will buy your way into heaven or whatever good deeds you think you can do, it’s worthless. You are just as empty handed as me. God doesn’t care who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, who you know or what’s in your pocket. He has invited you to accept His invitation through Jesus Christ. Will you?

Come and feast!