“I’m to busy!”

¹⁵ When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”¹⁶ Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. ¹⁷ At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’¹⁸ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’²⁰ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

²¹ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’²² “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’²³ “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. ²⁴ I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” Luke 14:15-24 NIV

“I’m to busy.” Sometimes this is a legitimate phrase. There are realistic times to say “No, I can’t!” However, context is king. It all depends on where, when, why and how it’s used.

These words “I’m to busy!” are brought to light in Luke 14:15-24. Now not exactly word for word, but in principle. Actually, it says in essence, “Excuse me from celebrating in the banquet please.” Same idea different words. This thought as presented by Jesus did not find glowing reviews. Nor did they have a positive ending.

Jesus is speaking parabolically. That is with figurative language to get our attention. I believe he’s calling to mind our priorities. We all have them, prime concerns, exalted interests which speak volumes as to what is stirring deep in the human heart.

Jesus is telling us that our priorities, the things that we count as really important, demands review. That is, personal scrutiny of our activities and words in light of what God says is most important to Him. Jesus sees who is delighting in Him in a together context in this passage.

God’s per-view  of things ought to carry much weight in our estimations of our busyness. Especially in the use of time. And, we, certainly have a lot of free time in our hands right now.

Actually we don’t.  Time is the same. The clock never stopped ticking and it’s certainly not free. What’s at issue is our usage of it.

Those four words, “I am too busy!” formulated in a sentence when it comes to enjoying worshipping God together is a cause for concern. The words followed by action consistent with those words, smacks right into the thought that Jesus is so pointedly revealing to his followers.

In the context there is a Great Banquet taking place. And those invited, well they are just to busy to enjoy it. These “busy” people are unwilling (that’s important here because it reveals motives) to set aside earthly interests in order to join together at the celebration.

Breaking the sentence down:

“I am…” words that ought to be correlated with God alone. Jesus applies them to Himself as the great “I am.” In other words a rightful use and claim to deity. We’re not.

“…to busy!” – well…read the passage and get His point.

This verse doesn’t apply just to Israel. Nor non-believers. It’s applicable to us who name the name of Christ! Nor, is this passage only about enjoying His presence at the end of our earthly lives in His coming kingdom. That will be glorious. It is also about enjoying His presence now in the context of body. Not our body but His body in the unity of togetherness.

Please don’t tell God I’m to busy for whatever it is that comes between you and Christ’s body. Just remember Jesus knows your thoughts. You’re presence at His banquet is vitality important. It’s important for enjoying life now, in the present, and then, in the future. Make it your priority.