Wedding Feast Invitation

Today’s Reading: Joshua 16–17; Psalm 148; Jeremiah 8; Matthew 22

 

This past weekend I attended a wedding that made me reflect on the Parable of the Wedding Feast in today’s reading of Matthew 22:1-14. There is so much JOY at weddings. Love, laughter, dancing, singing, prayer, food, music and beautiful wardrobes being worn for the party. What a wonderful reminder of the invitation Our Father has given us to attend the wedding banquet of eternity. Have you accepted the invitation?
The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,…everything is ready,… come.” I personally haven’t attended any royal weddings but can recall the most recent royal wedding that attracted much media and a desire by many to attend this event. The pictures shared all over the media portrayed and amazing event. Yet, behind all the glamour the most meaningful part is marriage itself.  This is the time when two hearts are joined together. God desires our heart. The invitation by God to an eternal wedding feast is way more important than a royal wedding and yet the invite is rejected multiple times.

What are our reasons for not paying attention and rejecting the invitation? I know at times this lack of importance to RSVP can be because of our own selfish desires, work, play, schedules, convenience. This could also include who we are putting first in our lives? It should always be God but as humans we can insert ourselves, spouses, children. God doesn’t give up on us. He desires for us to be at the wedding with Him.

The Parable Jesus tells about the Wedding Feast in Matthew eventually has a room filled with guests and many people are here physically together.  But will we be called out for our attire?  Are we dressed for the occasion of this event God has invited us to? Similar to our “Sunday’s best” do we wear the fine linen desires in Revelation 19:6-8.
Christ has provided a garment for everyone. The garment of righteousness has a perfect fit when you have accepted God as believers. But, we must choose to put it on in order to enter the King’s banquet (eternal life). What support do you need? Are you dressed and ready? Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
garmet

If you are reading today and want to be part the Wedding Feast that will have an eternal impact. Take a couple minutes to read the invite and pray to our Lord.

Invitation to the Feast

Who: Insert Your Name Here

When: Today

RSVP: Now

Reception to Follow (eternal kingdom)

How: Praying this prayer. ..Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and save me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Through faith in You, I have eternal life. Thank You also for hearing my prayers and loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to walk in the center of Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations! You have received Christ as your Savior and have made the best decision you will ever make—one that will change your life forever! Please let us know by contacting us at biblejournal.net so we can rejoice with you.

Walking in the Way

Today’s reading: Leviticus 24; Psalm 31; Ecclesiastes 7; 2 Timothy 3

April 20th, 2016

We feel very fortunate to live near the Constitution Trail in Normal, IL. We endeavor to use it as a spiritual tool for our family. As we walk along the path we reflect on the thoughts, words and deeds of the day and measure them against God’s word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 comes to life for our family as we walk along the way.

walk in the path

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. – 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Setting out with doctrine. As we look ahead we can see the path and where it leads. We equate this to doctrine. God’s word lights our way and allows us to see into the distance. (Genesis 1:3, Psalms 119:130, Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 4:2, Isaiah 28:9)

Stepping off with reproof. As we look down at our feet and notice they are off the path we Praise God for reproof. God’s word is light and it exposes our missteps. (Psalms 119:105, John 8:12, Ecclesiastes 2:13, Ephesians 5:15, John 3:19-20)

Setting back with correction. As we seek out the path again we trust God to correct us with a straight path back. His rod it comforts us. God’s word brings us right home. (Deuteronomy 32:2, Psalms 5:8, Psalms 107:7)

Staying on with instruction. As we find ourselves back on the path we praise God for His gentleness, grace and tender mercy. We have been instructed on the application of God’s doctrine to our specific experiences. God’s word strengthens us to do His good work. (Isaiah 29:24, Job 5:19, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:7, 2 John 9)

May we all walk in the way and do the good work God has purchased us for. Amen.