Devotionals

The Kingdom Series, Part 8

by BAYO OMOYIOLA, JR
02/24/19
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The Kingdom Series, Part 8

 Topic: The Kingdom like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son

Scriptural references:

……“The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage for his son….. (Matthew 22:1-14)
(Other references: Revelations 16:15; Ecclesiastes 9:8a; Matthew 21:14; Matthew 7:14; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 105:15; 1 Chronicles 16:22).

Sermon:

Today, we continue with the series on the Parables of the Kingdom. We kick started with part one titled, “The Kingdom like a grain of mustard seed”. Followed by part two which was titled, “The Kingdom like a Leaven”. Then part three which was titled, “The Kingdom like a Treasure hid in a Field". Then part four which was titled, “the kingdom like a merchant seeking pearls”. Then part five which I titled, “The kingdom like a net that gathered every kind of fish”. Then part six which I titled, “The Kingdom like a certain king taking account of his servants”. Then part 7 which I titled, “The Kingdom like a householder who hired more labourers”.
Today, we are looking at Part 8, which I titled, “The Kingdom like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son”. In Matthew 22:2, Our Lord Jesus Christ likened the Kingdom to a certain king, who arranged a marriage ceremony for his son. The King symbolizes God, His Son symbolizes Christ, the servants symbolize servants of God (or preachers), the first and second class of invited guests represent a certain class of religious people while the last class of guests were the ordinary people of the world. Jesus shared the story from Matthew 22:1-14. He narrated how the King sent out his servants to go and call the invited guests but they didn’t come. He sent another batch of servants to call them but they refused to come. Some of the rebellious people went to the extent of killing the second batch of servants from the King. When the King heard of what happened, he sent his armies to destroy all the murderers and to burn down the city. Then he sent servants to invite the ordinary and poor people on the highway. They came for the wedding but one of them was not well dressed. The King therefore ordered his servants to take him out to outer darkness.

Firstly, this story goes to show that though many are called, few are chosen as the last verse (Matthew 22:14) of the main scripture declares. Matthew 7:14 affirms this, for it says, “For small is the gate and narrow the way leading to life, and few are those finding it”. Though a lot of people were invited, only few made at the end. Strive to be among the few on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Secondly, the story shows that the Lord is mindful of the garment we put on, spiritually. He expects everyone who believes in Him should put on garments of salvation (and robes of righteousness according to Isaiah 61:10). Ecclesiastes 9:8a explains this. For it says, “Let your garments always be white”. The Lord also sheds more light on it in Revelations 16:15, which says, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments on, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame”. Those that are not putting on the garment of salvation when the Lord returns shall be thrown into outer darkness (Matthew 22:13). A third lesson from the story is that the call of God (and rapture) can come anytime and as believers we should be ready at all times. I believe the first two sets of guests that were invited for the wedding were religious people who normally should be interested in attending such a godly event. But they were not ready. Be ever ready for the Lord’s calling and coming. A fourth lesson from the story is that God can speak through his servants and as believers we should be respectful to servants of God, and we should also be sensitive to the voice of the Lord and be obedient to Him. The Lord does not always speak to us directly with an audible voice. Sometime he uses people. The second batch of servants that were sent to call the invited guests were disrespected and killed. It shows that the murderers had no iota of respect for the servants. As a believer, you should have respect for anointed servants of God and ensure that you do them no harm. For the word of the Lord says, Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm (Psalm 105:15; 1 Chronicles 16:22). It is a very dangerous thing to harm the Lord's anointed. Such a thing would always attract God's wrath as seen in the parable.

In summary, the parable teaches every Christian to be sensitive and obedient, to strive to be among the few chosen ones, and to be ever ready for the Lord's coming.

I pray for you, that you would remain in Christ and be sensitive to his calling and not be found wanting when the Lord returns. May grace qualify you and mercy make way for you in Jesus name (Amen).

Prayer: Father GOD, give me the grace to be ever ready for your calling and coming. Let me be among the few that would be raptured when you return. Grant me a humble mind, respectful attitude, sensitive heart, obedient spirit and a permanent garment of salvation. I pray with thanksgiving in Jesus name.