By: Juliet Constantine

“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.” (Matthew 22:2-3)
 

It was the talk of the planet! On April 29, 2011, son of the world’s favorite Princess, Prince William wed his bride Catherine Middleton. Specially invited guests, were drawn from many countries around the world together with viewers on street sides; both the television and online community joined in this grand celebration of love. It was truly a beautiful occasion, and the reception must have been equally enchanting. Following in her cousin’s footsteps, Zara Phillips wed Mike Tindall on July 30, 2011. Buckingham Palace delivered again, and the Queen was very pleased – two Royal Weddings in the same year.

But things did not go as planned for the Royal Wedding Jesus talked about in Matthew 22.

In Jesus’ story, a certain king planned a Royal Wedding for his son; but the invited guests seemed not to have an RSVP. In fact, on the wedding day, as the time to begin drew closer, the king realized that invited guests were not arriving. He then sent out his servants to remind them, but they refused to come. They did not care to attend as they were attending to their own business.

The king was heartbroken. How could they not come when he had already prepared everything for a grand celebration? There was much food for the reception - what would be done with it? Perhaps, believing that the first set of servants might not have been persuasive enough, he sent yet another set of servants; but, this time, the specially invited guests treated them badly and even murdered them. Word got back to the king, who was furious. He realized that those invited guests were unworthy of his invitation. In retaliation, he then sent his armies who destroyed all those murderers.

A grand Royal Wedding Reception has been planned for God’s Bride, His Church – the highest of all royalty. Yet it isn’t the talk of the planet. He has requested the pleasure of our company, but through the ages, His invitation has been rejected. Many who had carried the good news of freedom from sin and its curses were slaughtered for their faith. Still, God sent others and still others who were treated the same way. People continue to ignore this royal invitation; even today, many of his messengers are being murdered. But God isn’t giving up. He believes that there are people on planet Earth who will accept his royal invitation.

So, He bids us come. He is pleased to have us sit with Him at His banqueting table. He has not only prepared food and drink, that will be the source of our new life; but also, new homes for us. Even more, He wants to share His Royal riches with us. You and I may never receive an invitation to an earthy royal wedding, but we can become royalty of the highest kind by just accepting our King’s invitation. We may not get the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace: but in the New Jerusalem, we can walk to Streets of Gold. We can behold and participate in a bigger and better event. The King bids us come. Will you?

Our Heavenly Father and King, I do accept Your Royal Invite. Please do reserve my place at your banqueting table. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)