The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 14:23,
"Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full."
In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus taught that God will fill his kingdom with those who want to join him. Through the illustration of a man who prepared a great banquet and had his initial invitations spurned and then invited others who would come, so God has invited all who will respond to his invitation in the gospel. In the account of the great banquet, when the man's servants invited the others, and reported back there was still room at the banquet, the man ordered them to go back out and find yet others so that "my house will be full." So, too, does God intend to fill his kingdom full.
How many does it take to make God's kingdom full? How many people will attend his great banquet? I obviously have no idea, but I am left with the impression God has some kind of number in mind. He wants his kingdom fully populated. I am reminded of Proverbs 14:28, "A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined." God's glory surpasses all and he intends to have a full kingdom.
Jesus was once asked, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" Luke 13:23. His reply was, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." Verse 24. Later in that chapter Jesus also said, "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God." Luke 13:29. This leaves me with the thought that for each one who embraces Jesus Christ in faith through the gospel message, many more will not. For God to fill his kingdom, it will require many people to cull the believers from.
In addressing this reality, Peter makes an interesting observation that tells us something about God. He said, "Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9.
This brings to mind some thoughts. One is that God wants all to be saved, "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3-4. But, it doesn't mean he will accept all into his kingdom. As Jesus pointed out in the Luke 13 passage, God only wants those who want him, who will embrace him in faith. Another thought is that, although it seems like forever since Jesus was here at his first coming, his delay in returning expresses something very important. He is filling his kingdom, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
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