"A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready. But they all alike began to make excuses" Luke 14:16-18).
In dealing with excuses we must first consider WHY people make excuses. First it could be a defense mechanism. Some people don't want to admit that they may have a need for Christ in their life. Secondly, it could be a stalling technique to try to put off the conversation that might make them have to confront the truth. Thirdly, it could be an unwillingness to forsake sin. They may realize that if they accept the truth, that they would have to make some significant changes in the way that they live. Then, fourthly, it could be that they have some legitimate questions--an honest expression of doubt and confusion.
Francis Schaeffer says in the book Reaching All, "It is not more spiritual to believe without asking questions. It is not more biblical. It is less biblical and eventually will be less spiritual because the whole man will not be involved." Faith in Jesus is NOT a leap in the dark. John Stott says: "We cannot pander to man's intellectual arrogance, but we must cater to his intellectual integrity."
As we consider WHY people make excuses, we must never think that someone is too far away from God to be reconciled to Him. Sometimes those who seem to be the farthest away are really the closest to the kingdom. As we look at people's lives, we must remember that ALL things are possible with God and that it is ONLY by His grace that we are His children.
"Lord, thank You for your unspeakable gift."
