Luke 13:29-30
People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. And note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.
Applying God’s Word to our lives today: Who doesn’t want to be part of God’s kingdom?
It’s hard to understand why anyone would turn away from the gift God freely offers and not want to recline at the table in God’s kingdom. Some think, “There must be a catch; nothing truly free in this world.” Or “I’m not sure that’s where I want to be, since there’s no fun in heaven”—as if sinning is what they consider fun. Another says, “Why would I want to be with a God who is so angry and allows all this bad stuff to happen?”
If these are your concerns, know that salvation from God comes through faith alone in Christ. We bring nothing to the table; Jesus comes to us, and He dwells in us. We can’t purchase it, nor can we work our way in. All of this is a gift from God, received by faith alone, trusting in Jesus. It comes to us through the means of grace—God’s Word and our baptisms.
Those who do not know Jesus do not know God or His love. They feel the weight of their sins, along with the guilt and shame. But God tells us He loved you so much that He sent His Son to die in your place on the cross, so that by believing in Jesus, you have eternal life, pointing us back to the free gift God has given you. He desires all, especially you, to be in heaven, but He does not force anyone. Unbelief is rejecting His gift.
Let’s apply God’s Word: Jesus tells us that many people from around the world who trust in Him will join His heavenly banquet. Those who initially rejected Him but later learned of His love and came to trust Him receive His gift of forgiveness by faith. Believers will enter God’s kingdom. The “some” who were first were God’s chosen people (Israel), through whom the Savior would come; yet many rejected Jesus. They will not be there—they are the last. So, what about you? Salvation is God’s gift for you.
Dear God, Lord and Savior, we pray that You strengthen our faith so we never let go of Your gift to us. Please forgive us for all our sins—thoughts, words, and actions—and grant us Your pardon for Jesus’ sake. We also pray for ________ (someone who does not know or trust in Jesus). Please help us share the truth of Your love and mercy with them. Have Your Holy Spirit soften their hearts by Your Word and sacraments, prepare them to hear about You and willingly receive Your gifts of love, grace, and mercy. May Your will be done in all our lives. Amen.
God’s will is for everyone to be with Him forever, but no one is made to go. Heaven is a gift from God that is delivered through faith, by trusting and knowing that Jesus has died and forgiven all your sins.