Greetings from Greece! It’s Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. After many hours, multiple flights, missing luggage, misplaced passports, and even a few misplaced passengers—we have finally arrived in Athens. Travel rarely goes exactly as planned; it’s all part of the journey. But one thing is certain: the moment you hear “final boarding call,” you’d better be on the jetway or on the jet. No excuses.
Today's Reading:
Zechariah 10,11,12; Psalms 126; Luke 14
Scripture
“‘But they all alike began to make excuses…’” (Luke 14:18)
Observation
Jesus tells a story of a great banquet. Invitations go out, everything is ready, and then—at the crucial moment—“they all alike began to make excuses.” One has business, another has land, another just got married. None of these are bad things. But their personal delays became divine cancellations. The feast went on… just without them.
God’s invitations don’t come with open-ended RSVP dates. They often require a “now.” When I delay my response, I may not notice at first—but the plane takes off, the door closes, the opportunity shifts to someone else on standby. Excuses don’t just postpone obedience; they can quietly cancel my participation in what God is doing.
Application
As we begin to travel through these ancient cities, following the footsteps of Paul, I’m struck by how quickly he obeyed when God redirected him—whether through a vision, a closed door, or a sudden call to Macedonia. He didn’t delay. I want that same readiness. No excuses. No spiritual flight delays. When God calls, I want to treat it like a final boarding call and board immediately.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve delayed and missed Your invitations. Help me respond quickly and joyfully when You call. I don’t want my excuses to become cancellations. I want to be part of the feast You’re preparing. Amen.
—Chris Kiriakos