Exodus 13-15, Psalm 21, Matthew 22
Here's a problem with the way this Bible Challenge is set up: There's just too much to take in for every day's reading. In Matthew 22 alone we get the parable of the wedding feast, rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, discussion of the resurrection, the summary of the law, and talk of the true Messiah. Whew! That's too much to go over.
I've written a past blog post about the summary of the law. I won't go into it again, because you can find it here. I was speaking with Ellen Vadney at Bible Study on Wednesday night (do you read this, Ellen? I'm talking about you.), and she noted two very interesting things. First of all, all of the creation story can be summarized in two statements: 1. God created. 2. God saw that it was very good. That means we have to take care of creation. This world matters greatly. She and I also discussed that Jesus summarized all of Christianity in two statements: 1. Love God. 2. Love each other. I think that's wonderful. All we have to do to please God and do His will is love God and love each other. Now, that can be incredibly hard to do. I work in a service job where I deal with people every day. I don't always love them. Ellen did point out, however, that the Bible doesn't say I have to like everyone. I just have to love them. I'm working on that.
I think the parable of the wedding feast also presents a simple truth we often ignore. The party is planned. God has slaughtered a fat calf, sent his son, and prepared a big heavenly shin-dig. If God were a Texan, and I like to think he is, there would be a big brisket on the bar-b-q pit and huge tubs of Shiner Bock beer all over. God has, indeed, prepared an even better party (I know, better than brisket and beer?), and everyone is invited. How foolish we are to not get excited about this party. All we have to do to go to the party is love God and love each other. But we don't put on our wedding robes. We ignore the invitation. "Many are called, but few are chosen."
You bring to mind a friend of mine that would say she tried hard to love everyone and love God because she wants to "go to the party". I should try harder to follow that example. I don't want to miss the party.
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