R.S.V.P - Please Reply

It’s always exciting to receive an invitation for a wedding because you know the event is going to be special. These days the average amount of money spent on a wedding runs into several thousand of pounds. Weddings are often lavish, well organized, and special. The invite often gives you some idea of what lengths people are going to in preparation for the wedding. Most young couples will make it as good and as special as they could afford. It’s never second best. Wedding invitations let you know how special the day will be. They are often written on special embossed paper, inscribed with gold or silver lettering, and personalized. But a wedding invite requires a reply. Most invites have the letters R.S.V.P. at the bottom informing you that you are expected to respond, and without a response, your place wouldn’t be prepared! 

In the Luke chapter 14 verses 12-24, Jesus tells the story of a wedding banquet. The host has gone to amazing trouble to put on the most fantastic party. Sadly, when he calls people to come and enjoy the wedding feast, everybody starts making excuses. One makes the excuse that he has just got married himself, so he can’t come. Another has just bought some new farming equipment and wants to try it out, so he can’t come. One by one they turn down the invitation they were given.  If you received so many refusals, for such a great event you might be justifiably upset. Suppose I was to tell you that you had received a very special invitation, you would probably get quite excited.  The story that Jesus told, informs us that God has issued the invitations to follow him and enjoy the life he brings forever. Nothing on earth has ever come close to what God is preparing. He wants you to share in it now and enjoy it in heaven when this life finishes. If you want to enjoy God’s very best, the invitation of Jesus simply says, "Follow me"

Many people will reject such an invitation to live the Christian faith without even checking to see if it’s true. Perhaps it’s worth a little further investigation. More than that, perhaps it’s worth a positive reply. The invitations are being delivered. Jesus says, "You are invited." R.S.V.P - please reply.

By Rev. Tony Musgreave Bsc MA, Minister : Church of the Nazarene – Dewsbury.

For and on behalf of the Churches Together in Dewsbury.