As we re-learned in Sunday’s Gospel text (Matt. 22:1-14), God in Christ has issued us a gracious invitation to come forth, receive the gift of God’s salvation, and be part of the reign of God. Will we accept this divine hand reaching out, or will we hold back? It is easy to allow ourselves to become distracted with other matters. However, Jesus is talking about the coming kingdom of God. We cannot debate this as if the kingdom was some small issue. As they say, the main thing is to make the main thing the main thing! The approaching kingdom of God is the key question of our lives.
So, Jesus in this Matthew account tells us a story that reminds us of our deep relationship with the Holy Deep. Our response to the grace of God and how we live in obedience to that love take center stage. We cannot save ourselves. We know that. It’s good to be refreshed on that subject. God does with us what we cannot do for ourselves. Open your Bible to Matthew 22 and read for yourself what I’m talking about.
This story has a way of bringing back to us an awareness of reverence. It quickens a conscience of the holiness of God. It inspires a sense of obligation and responsibility for what we do and how we act in the kingdom. We get the point…God expects us to live in a way that really makes a difference. This kingdom of God is not some silly, senseless fraternity or sorority party. Rather, the party God wants is no casual affair. God wants us to come prepared and obedient. God is calling us to be a guest. We’d be wise to show up and dressed in righteousness.
Peace,
Pastor Gary
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