A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse October 3, 2018 Fill the Hall Scripture Reading – Luke 14:21- 23"The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' After the servant had done this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full." 

Perhaps you have wondered as I sometimes have observing with your understanding world events, exactly why the Lord has not yet returned - although I do believe that He could do so at any moment.

Today's text is a good reminder of the why behind this question. Jesus Christ having secured eternal salvation by His going to the cross and shedding His precious life blood, now invites any and all to come to Him and know forgiveness of sins, and God's great salvation.

But as in this parable, some people are too busy with earthly things: buying and selling, acquiring and succeeding - and quite honestly see no such need for salvation, although their eternal souls hang in the balance.

So others, those who are sick, and lame, needy and poor - also refuse the kind invitation of Jesus Christ by the convicting power and Person of the Holy Spirit. The result of even all of them being willing to run to healing is that there are still many empty seats at God's banqueting table of eternal life.

And so the cry goes out to the ends of the earth, where people have not yet perhaps even heard of the name of Jesus Christ - as our missionaries at home and abroad so willingly carry out their duties.

Therefore, remember today that it is with certainty that Jesus Christ and His soon return is closer than it ever has ever been before. Until He comes our part as the body of Christ is to heed His command and call to, 'Fill The Hall'. 

Prayer Heavenly Father I pray that as Your Word and invitation goes forward that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes, ears and hearts of those who are refusing to come to Jesus - and that they will bring others to You, until the hall is filled, and Jesus calls us all home.

 Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7 “You must each decide in your ______ how much to _____. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to __________. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”