August 5, 2014
The date had come and gone, and it was time to discard the wedding invitation. Looking over the invitation and the RSVP card, I pondered the time and effort that had gone into the special event, and how irrelevant these finely embossed cards and envelopes now were. The opportunity to attend was now forever past.
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” (Matthew 22.2)
Wedding protocol was a bit different in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. An invitation was extended, guests responded, and preparations were made based on the responses (not so different from today). But, a second invitation was extended on the day of the event to those who had previously responded. In the case of Jesus’ parable, these guests did the unthinkable: the refused to attend, and were even abusive to the servants sent to summon them (Matthew 22.5-6). With the elaborate event now ready, the servants went out to freely invite all who would attend.
The key takeaway for us is the reminder that a very special event is planned, and the date set. This event of the ages is God’s gracious invitation to His coming kingdom. The invitations are printed and sent. The specifics detailed are very clear. We are invited to come, and to dress appropriately. A certain lifestyle is expected of those who anticipate participating in this event extraordinaire. It’s not enough to simply RSVP; proper attire is required.
What good is an invitation once the event is over? What difference does it make if you had intended to reply and attend, but did not? There is ample opportunity prior to the event, but absolutely none once it is past.
The date of the return of God’s Son to planet earth has been set. The invitation has been freely extended. A response is required, and proper attire (lifestyle) is necessary. Have you deliberately responded and, if so, are you “dressing for the occasion”? There is opportunity this moment, but the next moment might be too late. May we each respond and prepare appropriately this day and moment.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” (Matthew 22.2)
Wedding protocol was a bit different in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. An invitation was extended, guests responded, and preparations were made based on the responses (not so different from today). But, a second invitation was extended on the day of the event to those who had previously responded. In the case of Jesus’ parable, these guests did the unthinkable: the refused to attend, and were even abusive to the servants sent to summon them (Matthew 22.5-6). With the elaborate event now ready, the servants went out to freely invite all who would attend.
The key takeaway for us is the reminder that a very special event is planned, and the date set. This event of the ages is God’s gracious invitation to His coming kingdom. The invitations are printed and sent. The specifics detailed are very clear. We are invited to come, and to dress appropriately. A certain lifestyle is expected of those who anticipate participating in this event extraordinaire. It’s not enough to simply RSVP; proper attire is required.
What good is an invitation once the event is over? What difference does it make if you had intended to reply and attend, but did not? There is ample opportunity prior to the event, but absolutely none once it is past.
The date of the return of God’s Son to planet earth has been set. The invitation has been freely extended. A response is required, and proper attire (lifestyle) is necessary. Have you deliberately responded and, if so, are you “dressing for the occasion”? There is opportunity this moment, but the next moment might be too late. May we each respond and prepare appropriately this day and moment.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 7:26 AM
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