Compelling

 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

Luke 14:23 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.14.23.ESV

I think we're too soft and apologetic as Christians in the West. If we know how to get to heaven and avoid hell, there should be a sense of urgency about us. People's eternal destiny depends on us telling them how to avoid hell and to make it to heaven.

If someone has a wedding feast and no-one turns up, that would be a real shame. Most people don't want to spend eternity with God. Those of us who do should be calling others to the greatest privilege we could enjoy.

Jesus talks about people 'compelling' others to come. Of course, no one can be forced to go to a wedding any more than people can be forced to choose an eternity with God. Yet we shouldn't want to take no for an answer.

There have been times in church history when people have been forcibly baptised for example. I think that's a step too far. People have to choose God, not to be forced into His Kingdom.

'Heavenly Father, please help us to be part of the great celebration of heaven. May we compel others to join us. In Jesus' name, amen'

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