Invitation

In Exodus 32, the people became fearful while Moses was talking with God, and they had Aaron create an idol out of their gold so they'd have something tangible to believe in. Even after all that God had brought them through, the people of Israel didn't trust God. They didn't trust that God is good, that God would not leave them, that God will fulfill God's promises.

19 At Horeb they made a calf

and worshiped an idol cast from metal.

20 They exchanged their glorious God

for an image of a bull, which eats grass.

21 They forgot the God who saved them,

who had done great things in Egypt,

22 miracles in the land of Ham

and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. (Psalm 106:19-22)

In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the story of a king's wedding banquet for his son. Those invited think that they have better things to do, and they do not come. The invited guests don't value the gift of access that the king seeks to give. Perhaps they take for granted that there will be other opportunities to celebrate together.

8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matt. 22:8-10)

So often we are just like both groups of believers. Rather than being reassured and strengthened by the knowledge of all God has done, and every difficulty God has brought us through, we allow our present circumstances to make us fearful, doubtful and forgetful. We turn to tangible things for temporary comfort and peace. Just as often, we neglect the opportunities to be present with God where we would find nourishment and fellowship, restoring our joy.

1 Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord

or fully declare his praise?

3 Blessed are those who act justly,

who always do what is right.

4 Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people,

come to my aid when you save them,

5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may share in the joy of your nation

and join your inheritance in giving praise.

6 We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;

we have done wrong and acted wickedly. (Psalm 106:1-6)

We are invited into relationship God. May we trust God's intention to bless, guide and comfort us, and may we cherish everyday as an opportunity to be present with God.