Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Jesus, the master story teller, told a story about a man who held a banquet but those who were invited didn’t come so he invited others to fill the hall (Luke 14:15-24; Matthew 22:2-14). Just as he called some to come, so God today calls men to come to Him for salvation. From those He then calls others to come serve Him in ministry. Not everyone is chosen. We don’t know on what basis the decision was made, it’s up to the Master. But no one can come without an invitation. This applies to your call to ministry as well.

In Jesus’ story, those who called were expected to respond. There was a limited time in which they were to come. If they said no or just put off responding God called someone else to take their place. If you feel God has been calling you to serve Him in some way don’t put off responding. Tell Him you will follow Him, then take whatever steps are necessary to carry out what He is calling you to do. It all starts with your responding to His call. He won’t force you, but you must decide soon.

Committing to come when called is of prime importance. For those coming to the banquet it meant paying a price. A change in activities takes place. Time is required. So also for those who come when called to a specific ministry. It will mean a change in your life. It will require you to use your time in a different way. Your current way of life will be altered. Don’t look back, though. Look to what is ahead. What could be better than dining with the master?

Being called is a rare privilege. Ministering in the presence of the Master is an honor. It won’t always be easy but it’ll be worth it. It will stretch you and mature you. You’ll be expected to do things that you can’t possible do without God’s help – but that’s the idea. You aren’t in this alone. You’re in for the time of your life!

Scripture
Luke 14:15-24, When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'”

Reflect
Is God calling you to a change in your life? Does He want more of your time? Will you be required to depend on Him more than ever? Don’t put your response off – accept the invitation NOW.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 15 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Posted on December 7, 2009