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To: ArGee
"At that the rich man was enraged and he shouted, "Enough." Then he called a police officer to have them thrown off of the property and ordered that they not be allowed to return until the banquet was over and all the scraps had been hauled away. Then, mourning for their loss, he turned to visit with other guests."

"Friends, If you see a problem in this little story, please let me know what it is so that I can correct it. If you think it is accurate and useful, please invite your non-Christian friends to the thread. I'd like to know what they think.

Shalom."

I appreciate such a fine effort, my friend, but I would definitely have changed the ending.

The "rich man", assuming this is meant to portray a Christian who is anxious to share the joy of Christ's love, wouldn't have become enraged, have 'em tossed out, etc.

The "rich man" would have been very happy for those who entered and enjoyed the banquet (a banquet that "fills" the "guests" forever) but would have been profoundly sad for those who refused the invitation. I would have had the "refuseniks" standing outside the open door, simply refusing to go in because............well, pick your reason ("There's a catch, I just know it!"; "Who are YOU to tell us what to eat??"; "Why did you make us walk all the way over here to get this meal?"; "I don't like what you're serving; I think you left out my favorite foods deliberately.", etc. , etc.). This would not have dissuaded the rich man, and he would have wept inside for he knew how truly hungry these people were, even if they didn't.............yet he also knew that it would NEVER be proper or appropriate to force them to enter and partake of the meal.

He would have told them "I am sorry that you do not wish to come in, but know that you are welcome........at any time. We want you here, and you will enjoy the meal unlike any meal you've had in your life. You are loved by all of us, and I only wish I had better words to convince you. We'll see to it that there is plenty of food if you decide to join us after all; it will be warm, very tasty, satisfying, and plentiful."

242 posted on 01/03/2002 3:01:59 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: RightOnline
Your point is well taken, and thank you.

The "rich man", assuming this is meant to portray a Christian who is anxious to share the joy of Christ's love, wouldn't have become enraged, have 'em tossed out, etc.

But remember, the men were going to start ruining the deal for everyone else. That was the part the rich man couldn't abide. I wish G-d would do that here, but He won't because He is as you portray Him.

Still, it is only a story. I believe (hope?) the point is still made.

Shalom.

610 posted on 01/04/2002 9:38:40 AM PST by ArGee
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