Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 22:3, “And he sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.”

Background

There is a timeframe in our lives when attending weddings happens on a somewhat regular basis. Usually when you’re in your 20s and early 30s, most of your friends are getting married, and consequently, many of your Saturdays involve dressing up and going to the wedding and reception. Most of these are good times, especially as you get to hang out with old friends and reminisce about the fun you had before your friend settled down to tie the knot. If the wedding happens to be, however, for a friend of your boyfriend or girlfriend, or even for your spouse’s friend, the level of enjoyment can drop off significantly. The anticipation is not so much for the event and the fellowship as it might be for the conclusion and the return home to enjoy what’s left of your weekend. If I speak from a heavily male-influenced perspective, then take this with the grain of salt it deserves. It does seem that most females would willingly spend their entire Saturday at the wedding of two squirrels if it meant seeing a lovely ceremony and the bride in a gorgeous dress.

Application

Nevertheless, the wedding for the king’s son in our passage today did not get off to a good start. Invitations had been sent, but no one was willing to come. Now we’re not talking about a small ceremony at the courthouse and a quick reception with mints and some green punch. This wedding is being put on by the king. Picture a royal wedding you may have seen on television in the past. Just the splendor, pomp and spectacle would be enough to entice all who could to be there to witness it in person. But not this king’s son’s wedding. This beautiful occasion of celebration and a new beginning was met with disdain, and eventually culminated in a destroyed city and widespread bloodshed. All because the invited weren’t willing. Bad things can happen when our heart is not willing. You may get a second chance, you may not. You may get a third visit, but that one might be significantly less pleasant. A willing heart is a world-changer, but one that’s not only changes yourself, and not for the better. To what has God called you?

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask and ask and ask again for the Lord to make your heart willing. Confess to Him where you are hesitant and let Him work on it for you.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words