Jesus told a parable of a certain king which made a marriage for His Son. He sent forth His servants to call those who were invited to the wedding, but they would not come. He sent other servants with a more urgent message, “Lo, I have prepared My dinner: My oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready! Come to the marriage!” But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise, and others insulted those who invited them, beating and even killing them. – (Matthew 22:2-6)
Today this parable applies to our generation. To neglect the Gospel invitation is to “make light of it” as if something else is more important - present possessions? Financial success? Approval of peers? They’ll put it off until a later date, but that date never comes. But the results of neglecting the Gospel are the same as rejecting it.
The greatness (and graciousness) of the invitation to eternal life is so wonderful that it requires a response ASAP… “Be diligent (lit: use speed) to make your calling (invitation) and election (affirmative response) sure… for so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – (2 Peter 1:10,11).
When Jesus saw Zacchaeus watching him from up in the sycamore tree, Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must abide at your house.” And at His word, “Zacchaeus made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. There was nothing more important than sealing his eternal destiny with Jesus that day. And he did.
We are invited, by the Gospel (the good news of forgiveness and eternal life through the Cross), to share the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ forever. There’s nothing better than this. May we encourage those around to “make haste” and receive Him joyfully. There’s no time to lose.
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