Dear Friends,
When our kids were young, they enjoyed bedtime stories. One that stood out was Dr.Seuss’ Hooper Humperdink? NOT HIM! - the story of a little boy nobody seemed to care for and a party everyone, except Hooper, was invited to. Ultimately, the host decided it wouldn’t be a party unless everyone, including Hooper, was invited! In the end, it was a fabulous party for everyone, including Hooper!
The world today is, unfortunately, a little like this children’s book - there’s an air of exclusion, even among those who think they aren’t exclusive. But there is a place where all are invited, the Kingdom of God. The people of Israel, before Jesus’ day and during it, didn’t think this was the case. God had chosen them! Therefore, they were the only ones invited to the eternal heavenly feast.
God’s prophets foretold the much different invitation list God had in mind. God says, “The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues … And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations … to my holy mountain Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:18, 20). God even declares some of these gentiles His priests and Levites, worthy to lead His people in worship!
However, even though people from every nation and tongue receive God’s invitation to join His eternal Kingdom, Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24) It is indeed a huge gathering. All are invited. But entry requires the invited to “know” the “master of the house” - Jesus Christ. “Knowing” means “being intertwined with, in full relationship with, one with.” Which means, placing faith in Christ alone. Any and all who believe in Jesus, “from east and west, and from north and south, (will come) and recline at table in the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29) Nobody who believes, regardless of nation, tongue, race, ethnicity, social standing, or class will be excluded! God invites all to believe and have life in His eternal kingdom (John 3:16-17).
In God’s Grace,
Pastor Jim