In some parts of the Bible lands, there was a custom of double invitations. When a great feast or a celebration was planned, the host would send out invitations to all those he wanted to attend. This was so that those invited would know to plan for the appointed time.

When the time came for the actual feast or celebration, the host would send out a servant to go back to all of those who had been invited. The servant would tell them that the time had come and they were now to come to the wonderful event. To not come would be considered a serious offense.

In Matthew 22:1-10, Jesus tells a parable about a king who had planned a wedding feast for his son. When he sent out the servant with the second invitation, the servant was rejected and no one came. The king even sent a third invitation in this instance, but it was rejected as well. Then, the king sent out his army and destroyed those who rejected the invitation. Then, the servant was sent out to invite others to the feast.

This parable is saying that the Jews had been invited to the wedding feast of Christ and his church. But, most of them had rejected the invitation. So, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles.

Luke 14:15-24 gives a similar parable. In this instance, all that had been bidden with the first invitation made excuses for not coming at the second invitation. So, the man sent his servants out to many others to come to the feast. Again, this parable teaches that those who ignore the first invitation and then reject the second will not feast with the man hosting the feast.

I know you want to feast with the King of Kings. Study his Word. Learn what you must do to be ready for the invitation. Learn what you must do to attend the feast. Do not be like those who rejected Jesus in the first century. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you. Until next time, keep reading your Bible and getting the wisdom of God.

I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life . . . and I will!!!

Always, Mom

(submitted by Mark McWhorter)