Online Devotions: When A King Thinks Of Others

Sunday, August 12, 2018

When A King Thinks Of Others

August 12 (Matthew 22:4)

Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ (ESV)

A king was giving a wedding feast for his son, yet when he sent his servants to gather those who had been invited, the guests blew off the event. They had other, and obviously in their minds better, things to do. That is simply stunning. How do you blow off the king? And how many kings have you ever heard of who would take such a snub lightly? A typical, even reasonable, royal response would have been, “I am your king! Get yourselves to the party right now!” A different response might have appealed to the emotions of his subjects. “It would really mean a lot to my son and me to have you there.” Yet that is not what this king does.

This king sends his servants out a second time to remind the guests of all that has been prepared for them! He wants them to know what they will be missing if they do not attend. Unbelievable. In the face of inconceivable rejection…royal subjects are actually defying their sovereign…this king is still thinking about what is best for his people.

And Jesus tells this story as an illustration of what the kingdom of heaven is like. The king in this story is no earthly ruler. Indeed, for no human would ever act so graciously. No, this king represents God. Even when we reject Him, His first thought is for us and all that we will miss if we are not in a right relationship with Him. If you think God is out to get you for each mistake, think again. He truly does want what is in your best interest, and that it is for you to be in the closest relationship with Him.

Father, I so quickly tell others which political candidate or elected official is best and give them a list of reasons why. May I be even quicker to tell others of Your amazing love for them and how You have loved me beyond merit or measure. In the name of Jesus, Your Son and my Savior, amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.