Come and Feast on Life
Prov. 9:1-10 & Luke 14:15-24
June 21, 2020 anno Domini– Redeemer
When the Israelites stood on the edge of the Promised Land Moses gave them one last sermon. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,” (Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV)
Seems like a no brainer. Moses, as God’s servant, set the menu before the Israelites. There were two entrees – life and death, and two desserts – blessing and curse. Hmm, let me think about that. Boy that’s a tough decision. Okay. Let me have a big serving of death, well done please, and then I’ll take the curses for dessert – smothered in flames and torment.
It makes no sense yet man always chooses death. Adam and Eve chose death. The Israelites went into the Promised Land and chose death and curses. You choose death. There were only two men who were completely free to choose between life and death – Adam and Jesus of Nazareth. Adam chose death and as his son or daughter you’re like dead old dad. Jesus chose life and would invite you to feast on life with Him.
Solomon describes this feast a little differently in Proverbs. Here there are not two choices on the menu, but two bed and breakfasts vying for your visit. The first establishment is owned by Dame Wisdom – that’s the appointed reading. The second is owned by Dame Folly. That’s the other half of Proverbs nine. Dame Wisdom has slaughtered her beasts, mixed her wine, set her table, and sent her beautiful hostesses to call out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
Solomon gives us the first inkling of why we won’t choose life. “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! To him who lacks sense she says, ‘Come, eat of my bread.’” Do you like to be called a “simple” person? Or “lacking sense?” Now remember these words were written by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. You are simple minded – you are so simple that you can only think of one thing – you. That’s what sin has done to you. Sin has destroyed your sense of right and wrong, of life and death, of wisdom and folly. The prophet Jeremiah writes that Storks have more sense than humans. They know enough to leave the North as winter approaches and to find a place they can live down in Florida, but Jeremiah writes, “My people know not the rules of the Lord.”
Solomon teaches us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” But what do we fear? We fear losing our health. We fear our children not being successful or safe. We fear not being happy or independent or busy. Do we fear the loss of God?
Jesus’ parable also teaches us of our simple-mindedness. A rich man gave a feast. Sent out the invitations to his close friends and neighbors. He expected them to come for He knew them well and they knew him. He invited, but they did not come and every excuse began in the simple- minded way, “I.” I have bought a field. I have bought five yoke of oxen. I have married a wife. I’ve bought a lake home. I bought a motorcycle. I’ve got a wedding, graduation, open house to attend. I cannot come.
His death finished the work of salvation. He won forgiveness for your simple-minded sinfulness. The man who is true God paid the full price for every time you chased a false god. You ordered up death instead of life and He consumed the full meal deal for you – suffering, cursed, hell, and death. Sin is taken away by Jesus. Forgiveness, life, and salvation have been purchased. The feast of life s ready for you – it is finished. Come.
God the Father invited his close friends and family first. He invited His Israel through His Word by the Spirit. On Pentecost day the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles – the ones sent to invite. The Word was preached. 3000 people were baptized and then the Jews threw Peter in jail. They refused the invitation. They had killed the Author of life and they wanted His Apostles dead.
Jesus’ invitation still stands – to them and to you, but remember whom Dame Wisdom invites. She invites the simple, those who lack sense. You will not drink of Jesus if you are not parched by sin. You will not devour Jesus if you are not hungry for righteousness. This appetite does not come naturally. Just ask people “What do you want in life?” Jesus won’t on their menu. When it comes to physical food and drink no one needs to tell us our need. Our stomachs grumble. Our tongue goes dry. But to thirst and hunger for Jesus, to know our sin and desire forgiveness does not come naturally. That comes by the Holy Spirit through the Word. We think we are good, but we are not. We think we deserve God’s attention, but we do not. At times we think we’re really living, but we’re not.
The good news is that while we order up death, God serves up life. God’s Spirit creates the hunger and thirst in us so that we might receive the invitation. Our false gods fail. Our health declines. Our children don’t succeed. God lets us feel the curse of sin, but for this one purpose that we might hunger and thirst for Jesus. God wants us to drink of His Son and be quenched, to eat of Jesus and be full of life. He desires us to repent and live.
But be warned the Devil is a master of distraction and misdirection. He doesn’t want you in on life. He wants you dead. As the Prince of this World he distracts you with the world – that should be as obvious as the Sundays you’re not in the Lord’s house.
He will also try to convince you that you’re too far away to be invited. Sure God loves people, but not you. Yes, there is forgiveness in Christ, but not for your sins. You should be ashamed to enter church. Ignore the Devil’s Words. You’re not good enough? That’s like saying, “I’m too thirsty to drink. I’m too hungry to eat. I’m too much of a sinner for Christ to forgive.” Nonsense. Christ Jesus came for sinners. His blood cleanses us from all sin – all means all. Water is for the thirsty. Food for the hungry. Christ’s forgiveness is for sinners, for you.
The table is set. The feast is purchased. It is finished. Come. Eat and be satisfied. Drink until your thirst for life is quenched. In the name of Jesus. Amen.