As part of the responsibilities connected with representing our Member of Parliament, I was asked to plan an event; invitations are to be issued based upon specific criterion. As the scope of the project grew (don't these things always tend to do that?), so has the number of people to be invited. If even a third of these folks decide they're coming then I fear I'm looking at finding another venue and approaching the appropriate people for more money to provide nibbles for the crowd. No fish and loaves but a fair-sized field of carrots and celery will be required.
In compiling the list of potential attendees there are a few vital things to be considered: How do an individual or group of people qualify to make the list? If I ask Person A, does that mean I am obligated to invite that person's colleague? If so, why or why not? What are the political or financial implications of leaving Person B off the list? You get the idea and, believe me, creating a guest list will no longer be viewed as simply a matter of jotting down the first names that come to mind.
What the process does bring to mind, however, is the sermon our pastor preached this morning. My musings: Jesus invites us to enjoy the fullness of His blessing but there is nothing we do can make ourselves worthy of such an invitation. His guest list will never be too long, the venue never too small and the provision for our every need, never exhausted. And everyone is welcome!
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with me." Rev 3:20 (AMP)
