Luke 14:24 (NIV) Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
Some years ago, an elderly lady was amazed at how nice the young man was next door. Everyday he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally asked him, “Son, how did you become such a fine young man?"
The young man replied, “Well, when I was a boy, I had a “drag” problem.” “I can’t believe that,” replied the surprised old lady. The young man then confessed, “It’s true, my parents drag me to church on Sunday morning, drag me to church on Sunday night, and drag me to church on Wednesday night!”
The word “drag” reminds me of the Greek word Anagkazo, that is translated “to compel.” The word was popularly used in a parable which talked about a master who threw a party to which he instructed his servants to compel even the uninvited persons from the streets. Perhaps against their will, the poor and needy were forced to go for the feast.
Likewise, the parents of the young gentleman did a great job by compelling him. Here are 3 reasons why you should compel lost souls to come to Christ:
#1. Other ways would not work in this day and age
In our world today, the traditional invitation to church rarely pays off. We need to compel them like the servants went about getting the house full.( Luke 14:24)
#2. It is a command of the Lord
Jesus Christ charged us in Mark 16:15, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. And one of the ways to respond to this charge is to compel.
#3. Churches would be empty otherwise
Like the Master in Luke 14:24, Jesus is asking us to go and compel people to come. Without this the Master’s banquet would have been empty. And this morning you are reminded to go out there and compel them to come.
Precious one, remember to drag somebody to church, so that they can be saved.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I obey your command to compel lost souls into Your kingdom, let many be saved through my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Topics : Anagkazo, Charles Agyinasare, Charles Agyinasare, Stories,
