Summarizing – Reflecting and Responding in Prayer
To
God’s Word
Context: Matthew 22: 1-14
Focus: Matthew 22:14

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

Jesus told a parable to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven. He compared it to how a King invited His guests to a wedding feast, but they were either not interested, too busy or hostile, so He gave the invitation to others who did not know Him. They responded by attending the feast. But there was one among the guests who was improperly dressed, and was removed, thrown into the utter darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus then stated, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

As I was creating an invitation card for multiple use, I included a RSVP to give the ones invited the opportunity to respond and for the host to number the guests.  It reminded me of this parable, whereby, the invitation for salvation is the “call” and God requires a response (RSVP).

Many see and hear the gospel message, but ignore it or try to enter the Kingdom of Heaven through their own “self-righteousness” – filthy rags.  Only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can clothe us in His righteousness, and when we accept His salvation we are counted among the honored guests. (Isaiah 64:6)

The ones who are chosen are the ones who answer the call to repentance and respond to Christ’s salvation with a definite,  “yes”.  (Romans 10:8-9)

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your invitation to salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.  I know in answering your call I have received your Holy Spirit preparing me through Christ’s righteousness to become not only a guest, but His  eternal Bride.
(Ephesians 5: 25-27)

The Greatest Invitation

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

CR – John 3:3-16, Romans 8:28-30, 2 Timothy 1:9