Introduction

A businessman decided to throw a party for some of his clients, and because he was doing so well, he spared no expense. He hired the most expensive caterer in Chicago and rented out the McCormick Center. He paid an army of uniformed wait staff to serve his guests from gleaming silver trays. He commissioned an artisan to carve an ice sculpture of a swan and had it floating in a lake of punch. Engraved invitations were sent out in advance, hand delivered by special messengers in plenty of time for everyone to clear their calendars. But somehow, when the hour came for the party to begin, the host found himself alone. Not one guest bothered to come—not even Mayor Daly. After waiting an hour, the host asked his assistant to get the guest list and begin making phone calls.

The first person his assistant called was very apologetic. She said she fully intended to come, but just as she was about to leave for the party, her realtor called to say that the offer she placed on a piece of property had been accepted, and they needed to close the deal. The woman decided it was only prudent to take one last look at the property before signing the papers. She sincerely hoped the host would understand.

The second person the assistant called was also deeply apologetic and a little embarrassed. "I really meant to be there," he explained, "but yesterday the Toyota dealer called to tell me that my new hybrid had finally arrived. You wouldn't believe how long the waiting list was for this car. Anyway, the dealer said I could take delivery on the car today, and after waiting six months, I just had to take it out for a test drive. I was having so much fun showing it off to my friends that the party completely slipped my mind. I'm ...

John Koessler is professor and chair of the Pastoral Studies Department at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.