Daily Devotions
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.” Matthew 22:2
A well-laden table is a symbol of the abundant grace God offers in His kingdom. Such a festive board reminds us of the plentitude of the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus Christ. Our Lord said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.” The invitation did not only say, “Com to the wedding banquet,” but also made reference to the sumptuously prepared dinner, “My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready” (Matthew 22:4).
God prepares a feast for us whenever and wherever the means of grace, Word and Sacraments, are dispensed. This generally occurs in church, supplied as it is with pulpit and lectern, baptismal font, and the Lord’s Table. Faith comes through hearing the Word and through the use of the sacraments. Faith is created in Holy Baptism and confirmed and strengthened in Holy Communion – saving faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.
This is how the Lord states His invitation:
* “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost” (Isaiah 55:1).
* “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. … I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
* “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).
The Spirit extends the invitation and transforms our hearts to accept it. It’s that simple.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord God, for providing food and drink and especially for Christ’s Gospel which is food and drink for my soul. Amen.
(Devotions from “With Jesus Every Day” copyright 1997, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)