DATE: Monday, August 14, 2023
TOPIC: THE KING'S INVITATION
MEMORISE
Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy' (Matthew 22:8).
READ:
Matthew 22:1-8
[1]. And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
[2]. “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
[3]. and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
[4]. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.”’
[5]. But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
[6]. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
[7]. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
[8]. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
EXPOSITION
It is one thing to hold a wedding, the status of the celebrants is another thing. To be invited to the wedding of a king's son is indeed a great honour. The wedding imagery in our text is a reference to the relationship between Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:21-23; Rev 21 2,9). Obviously, all the preparations were done by the king arrangements for the wedding, preparation for the dinner, and the animals for the banquet Indeed, there was nothing left undone to ensure a hitch free wedding ceremony. *All things are ready: come unto the marriage* is the message. It costs the invitees nothing other than to grace the occasion, but quite unfortunately, they counted themselves unworthy by snubbing the royal invitation. They just didn't take it seriously; saw no necessity in honouring the king's invitation! These symbolise those who just don't take God for His word; who for unnecessary, unjustifiable reasons never open themselves up to the Truth. These went their ways. Although, Jesus says that the path to salvation is narrow (Matt. 7: 14), people can still find all sorts of excuses to avoid and reject the invitation. For others, it is simply the lure of material things. And finally, while some just ignored the invitation, others actually persecuted those who gave the invitation.
Today, the call comes again from the King of kings and Lord of lords, saying, the table is set. The arrangements have been completely. made. What remains is that you just accept the invitation and make yourself available for the Feast now in His body (the Church) and ultimately in His eternal kingdom. Are you ready?
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 196
1. Come, oh come, when Christ is calling,
Linger not in paths of sin;
Sever ev'ry tie that binds you
And the heav'nly race begin,
Chorus:
Calling now, calling now,
Hear the Saviour calling now;
Calling now, calling now,
Hear the Saviour calling now.
2. Come oh come, while Christ is pleading
Oh, what love His tones convey!
Will you slight His proffer'd mercy
Will you longer from him stray!
3. Come, oh come, delay no longer,
For th' accepted time is now
Yield, oh yield yourself to Jesus,
And before His sceptre bow,
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to shove off every hindrance, even as I make myself available for Your invitation.
2. Father, I cast on You my burdens, knowing that You alone can bear them for me.
3. Pray that God will touch the hearts of parents to come to the reality of God's presence and governance in how they lead their children.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 33:1-37:29
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Monday, August 14, 2023 TOPIC: THE KING'S INVITATION){kind=link}