A Full House

 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full."

— Luke 14:23

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

If I'm honest, when I read this as a pastor, the first images that come to my mind are of a Sunday morning with a full sanctuary. All the seats are filled and people I haven't seen in many weeks are there again. I feel the excitement and anticipation of what will likely be an energetic and dynamic worship service. But You aren't talking about a full house on a Sunday morning. You are talking about a full house for eternity! Now I imagine what You will feel, Jesus, when Your Kingdom is fully established, when Heaven's door is shut (Luke 13:25), Your house is full, and Your eyes scan all of Heaven noticing who is there. I suspect You'll also know who is not. And perhaps You'll recall your word to your church—"Go out... and compel them to come in."

Lord Jesus, help me today to be one who goes to those on the roads and country lanes, into the streets and alleys of the town, finding the lost, the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, and compelling them to come in. For as full as Heaven will be, there will still be room for those who presently are far from it. Lord, by Your grace may I be someone who never tires of looking for those outside and compelling them to come in so that Your house will be full!

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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