Monday Morning Manna
Monday, November 23
Monday Morning Manna
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Matthew 22:11-12
Yesterday we heard from Reverend Dr. Orville Harris who reminded us that obedience is better than sacrifice. Speaking from Matthew 22:1-14 his sermon titled – Many Are Called but, Few Are Chosen. His sermon aimed to let us know that we have free will and that this journey is a journey of choice. God doesn’t care how anointed you are, how spirit filled we claim we are, God is interested in your obedience. The parable as written in Matthew 22 reveals the wrong dress code and the wrong attitude. A king is giving this feast, and he wants lots and lots of people to come. So he sends out invitations and those who are invited won’t come. The parable ends like this: “‘In that place’” — where this person is thrown — “‘there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:13–14).
The fact is that there are lots of things going on in our world that can tempt us to develop a negative attitude about life. We are living in some of the toughest economic times many of us have encountered, and each of us is challenged with how we will respond. But we know that life is so much more than things. One of the keys to living your calling — that is, doing the things God is calling you to do with your life — is learning that you are in control of your attitude.
Dr. Harris reminded us that sometimes we can be in the midst and have the wrong attitude. Even if we show up as a part of the ten and we forget our oil (the Holy Spirit) then we are showing up unprepared. Sometimes it’s the simple things that we must do rather than bringing any sacrifice unto God. So it is the simple things we know we should do that mean more than any great gift, sacrifice or service we might give to God. Sacrifices are good, but should never be used as substitutes for simple obedience. If we judge ourselves, check our attitude so that we are not judging others but being true to self. When we obey God, our king, we have already succeeded. We have succeeded in obeying God!
For many are called but few are chosen, you have a free will but this journey that you are and this life and this breath God will ask what did you do with it and how did you handle my Son? The choice is yours. For many are called but, few are chosen. The chosen are those who heard the message and said God I hear you and wherever you lead I will follow. Lord, I repent I am sorry Lord for not trusting you.