Foreign.

Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

The reading is understandable.

I use the message version relatable.

Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.

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Here's today's reading.

So our reading today is from Luke 14:15 24.

We're reading from the message and in this message we're talking about the story of a dinner party.

The story of a dinner party that triggered a response from one of the guests.

How fortunate, the one who gets to eat dinner in God's kingdom.

Jesus followed up yes, for there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many when it was time for dinner.

He sent out his servants to the invited guests, saying, come on in, the food's on the table.

And they all began to beg off, one after another, making excuses.

The first said, I bought a piece of property, I need to look it over.

Semi regrets.

Another said, I just bought five teams of oxen and I really need to check them out.

Semi regrets.

Another yet said, I just got married and need to get home to my wife.

The servant went back and told the master what had happened and he was outraged and he told the servant, quickly, get out into the city, streets and alleys, collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and down and out you can lay your hands on and bring them here.

The servant reported back, master, I did what you commanded and there's still room.

The master said, then go to the country roads.

Whoever you find, drag them in.

I want my house full.

Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.

Well, incredible passage of scripture there, my.

Friends, and this is an episode that's really about the radical table of welcome.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'm here today to help you to dive into one of Jesus most provocative parables about a dinner party that turns conventional wisdom up side down reminds me that something happened at Thanksgiving one time.

We'll get into that story in just a minute.

Here's some points to ponder the Politics of the Table this parable isn't just about a dinner party.

It's about radical inclusion.

You know, working with cancer patients through my podcast has taught me something profound.

Sometimes the most healing moments happen when we simply make space for those who society often overlooks.

Jesus is challenging the social hierarchies of his time, much like we need to challenge our own today.

The host reaction to the rejections isn't just disappointment.

It's a revolutionary act of breaking down social barriers.

Here's another thing.

It's about examining our excuses.

The excuses in this story sound kind of familiar, don't they?

Property, business, family obligations.

They have valid reasons.

It reminds me when my wife and I were planning a trip and we almost canceled because of some more important commitments.

But we went on the trip anyhow.

But like those invited guests, sometimes our can't really means won't.

What opportunities for transformation are we missing out on because we're too comfortable in our current circumstances?

Another point to ponder is about redefining Full House.

The host insistence on filling the house reminds me of going to watch Pacer games.

It's not just about filling the seats, about creating the community, the excitement, the energy.

Just like when I learned from my granddaughters that the best parties are the ones where everyone feels welcome to be themselves, even when their grandpa is one who tells dumb dad jokes, this parable challenges us to consider who is missing from our table whose voices aren't being heard in our communities.

Here's your action step this week, host a mixed table gathering that is an invite people you wouldn't normally socialize with.

Maybe someone from a different faith or socioeconomic background or even a political point of view.

And if hosting isn't possible, find a way to share a meal with someone outside your usual social circle.

The goal isn't to quote, help them out, but to create a genuine connection and learn from each other.

We're going to pray here in just a minute.

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Let's pray together.

Oh God we confess that we too often make excuses when you call us to uncomfortable places, like a parent watching their children grow up.

As you've shown me over 33 years of marriage and raising three children, that most meaningful moments often come when we step outside our comfort zones.

So help us create spaces of welcome as expansive as your love.

When we're tempted to stick with the familiar, give us courage to extend and accept unexpected invitations like the joy of a granddaughter's unconditional hug and welcome.

Help us offer that same spirit to others.

Make our tables places of transformation where strangers become friends and everyone finds belonging.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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Thanks much.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.