One morning, I was standing in the eating area at work, the shared food space many of us pass through without much thought. It’s well-stocked: coffee machines, ice makers, water, vending machines filled with juices, milk, salads, frozen meals, protein bars, snacks. Everything designed for convenience and nourishment.
As I stood there, a gentleman was restocking the vending machine. He wasn’t just adding items; he was also removing them. Salads with lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, carrots, still looking good, but nearing or past their expiration date.
I asked him, “What happens to the food that’s taken out?”
He explained that some items, those still within a safe window, are donated through programs that serve people in need. Others, once expired, must be discarded entirely.
And that’s when it hit me.
So much care went into preparing that food.
So many resources… time, money, planning.
And yet, because it wasn’t consumed in time, it could no longer nourish anyone.
That moment made me really think….What if our churches and ministries look a lot like that food space?
We prepare sermons.
We “stock” Bible studies, and Small Groups, and Programs, and Classes….
We offer prayer gatherings, teachings, devotionals, and calls to action.
The Word is ready. The nutrients are there.
But, the expiration date (“the season”), is real.
What happens when people choose not to come and eat?
A word prepared for this moment can become a word for someone else. Or, heartbreakingly, a word that was never acted on at all.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15
A Word to the Consumer, Our Congregation, and all Children of God
To those who sit at the table week after week…Not every message is meant to be stored for later. Some words are meant to be consumed immediately.
We assume the Word will still be there when life slows down. We assume the invitation will wait. But delay can turn nourishment into neglect.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
If God has spoken, through a sermon, a conversation, a nudge, a call, what are you waiting for?
The Word didn’t lack power. It lacked response.
A Word to the One Who Prepares and Serves, Our Pastors, and Leaders
To the ministers, teachers, servants, and laborers… You are not foolish for preparing a full table…even when few show up. Jesus understands this more than anyone.
Jesus tells this exact story in Luke 14:15–24.. the Parable of the Great Banquet.
A man prepared a great feast and invited many. When the time came, the invited guests made excuses:
- One had land to inspect
- Another had business to attend to
- Another had family obligations
None of these were sinful, but all of those other things were prioritized over the invitation. So the master said:
“Go out into the streets and alleys of the town… bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” – Luke 14:21
The banquet was not canceled. The menu was not changed. The audience expanded to serve those who truly needed it and who were ready for it.
If those you expected do not come, someone else will. The Word will not return void.
A Sobering Truth
Food that isn’t eaten in time can become unsafe.
A word not received in season can become missed opportunity. Not wasted… just expired.
“Why spend money on what is not bread…? Listen, and eat what is good.” – Isaiah 55:2
God will not force attendance.
Just remember… He is still inviting. He is still calling. He is still setting tables.
Reflection
- What word have I delayed responding to, assuming I’d come back to it later?
- Am I treating God’s invitations as optional rather than urgent?
- As a servant or leader, am I willing to widen the invitation when the room stays empty?
- Who else might be waiting for the nourishment I didn’t receive, or didn’t share?
The Kingdom of God is not suffering from lack of provision, it is revealing the cost of hesitation.
The table is set.
The food is fresh.
The Word is ready.
If we do not come, God will invite others.
If we do not eat, God will still feed the hungry.
If we do not respond, the moment will move on.
“Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 14:15
May we be a people who recognize the season,
respond while the Word is fresh,
and refuse to let holy nourishment expire.
Come to the table.
Eat while it’s time.
And help fill the room.