A Royal Invitation

We have all been invited to something at one time or another, perhaps a dinner at someone's house, or a party, a barbecue, or a potluck supper. We have been invited to birthday parties and weddings, or to come to church with someone.

From January 1967 until December 1970, we lived in Austria. We had registered with the Canadian embassy as we were advised to do. At some point during our sojourn in Vienna, the ambassador sent us an invitation to meet Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and Princess Anne while they were on a state visit to Austria. So we went. We did not meet them personally, but they walked past us, and Prince Phillip talked to some of us. We received a royal invitation, and we accepted.

The Sunday before the reception, a gentleman at church said that he had also received this invitation, but he had no interest in seeing the Queen. He declined, but we did go.

Matthew 22:1-3,8-9 – And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: "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. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'" (NKJV)

Jesus invited many people to follow Him; some accepted, and others declined.

Matthew 4:18-19 – And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then he said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (NKJV)

They accepted the invitation, and the Word was ultimately brought to millions through them.

Then there is Jesus' wonderful invitation that is for all of us: "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)

However, after 2000 years of Christianity, there are still many people who do not listen to His invitation, but we should, because whatever happens in our lives, Jesus still calls us over the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea. Day by day, His voice still calls us, saying, "Christian, follow Me." (Cecil Frances Alexander)

That is His royal invitation to all of us.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we pray that many will hear and accept Your invitation as You call us. Amen.