15th May 2006

No leftovers
by John Fischer

Recently, an Iranian woman was asked what the most difficult part in her adjustment to living in the United States was. She didn't say anything about the different environment for women as might have been expected. Instead, she said the most difficult adjustment was the fact that she found it hard to cook for only her family of four. She was used to feeding, at any time of the day, meals for various extended family members and friends. Serving in that way is a natural part of her culture.

Her solution to this problem is simple. Besides providing an elderly woman across the street with dinner delivered each night to her door, she goes out and invites people to join her family — sitting at the table and eating what would have been leftovers. Now there’s an easy solution to leftovers — ring up the neighborhood.

Reading this story in the newspaper reminded me of a parable Jesus told of a man who prepared a great feast and invited many guests, but when those guests made excuses about other things they had to do, he sent his servant into the streets and alleys of the town to 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’” (Luke 14:22-23). There won’t be any leftovers at this feast!

God has a sharing heart. He doesn’t want any leftovers, and he doesn’t want anyone left over except the ones who don’t want to come. He’s rung up the whole town. If you didn’t get an invitation, that’s okay, you have one now. No need to go out and get a fancy outfit (how could you possibly dress up for this dinner, anyway?), just come as you are. God is just this way. He has a huge heart and he wants you in it.

God doesn’t want to be alone. He wants lots of people to share his love with. The best thing to do is not ask a lot of why questions. Just accept the invitation, drop whatever you’re holding onto, and go with the messenger that invited you. I’m still not sure how I got invited; I’m just glad I’m here.

How could anyone turn down an invitation like this?

Don’t have to dress up; there’s no place to go.
Don’t need no lessons; this ain’t no show.
This is life! This is what it’s supposed to be.
This is God loving you and me!
So come on and dance!
Let the Spirit set you free.
Dance! To the Lord of life.
Dance!Sanctify the circumstance.
Come on and dance!To the Lord of life.

- from the song Dance! by John Fischer