[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
Many thanks to Peter Jones who has prepared this week’s devotions. This week our attention is focused on Luke chapter 14, verses 1-15. Please read these verses every day this week and, if possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
[/column]
[divider type=”1″]
[/divider]
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
Luke 14:15 (NIV)
‘When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, ‘Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.’
What a way to end this week’s devotions by moving from the practical aspect of feasts to the feast being held in heaven. There are many references to feasts in the New Testament and I suppose we can learn lessons from them. The Jews were very good at arranging feasts and so it was no surprise that one of the guests at this feast should mention a feast in heaven. Next week we will be looking at the reply that Jesus gave to this statement, but to close this week, I want to look briefly at the “feast in the kingdom”.
In Matthew 26 verse 9 we read these words “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Jesus had made this statement after breaking bread with His disciples at what is known as “the last supper”. He had told them that one of them was going to betray Him and He also told Peter that he would betray Him. Jesus said “with you”. There are those who say that when He made this statement, Judas had left to meet with the Pharisees to discuss the betrayal. I don’t know if that was the case, but certainly Peter was there after being told of his betrayal; yet Jesus could say “with you”.
I take great comfort from these two words because I know that despite my failures, I have the assurance that I will be present to join in the feast in the kingdom. When we take communion here on earth we are encouraged to remember that Jesus died to take away our sin and because of His death we have life and are able to stand before a Holy God, redeemed and forgiven. We come to the communion table in our weaknesses and for many they bear the pain and suffering of our earthly bodies. BUT when we are invited to the feast in heaven, we will no longer have any pain or suffering. All our tears will be wiped away and we will have a new body, equipped for eternity. I am sure you are looking forward to that day when we will see Jesus and be able to drink of the new wine that will represent our newness of body and spirit. And now can you feel the excitement of the meaning of this verse. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” NKJV.
[/column]