A Devotion

Many are called

Read Matthew 22:1-14 and Isaiah 6:1-8

What does it mean to be called? What does it mean to be sent? These are two beautiful, poetic, cryptic and even scary stories told by Jesus and by Old Testament prophecy.

Jesus is telling us that God's invitation goes out to many. Most of us are just too busy with our everyday lives and all the "important stuff" that we have to do to pay attention. Even for those who DO listen and come, some will come with less than righteous intentions or ill prepared for the task set before us, and then be unwilling to go "properly attired."

I love the story of how Isaiah was called - so full of imagery and so poetic. God is sending out an open invitation, asking who will go. Isaiah's response is humble and simple, "Here I am, Lord, send me."

I have often looked at the parable of the wedding banquet as one of social justice. It is a story about how when the powerful and busy get so wrapped up in themselves that they can't respond to even a "higher" authority, that the "higher authority" says fine, I'll just pass my invitation on to someone who will appreciate it. It is a story that I have based a play script on for a youth group and a story that I tell in circles of people who are hurting.

The punch line to the story, however, is problematic if you are just looking for the "social justice" angle to the story. It is saying that even if we respond, we need to come prepared. We need to be cloaked in our finest and show respect for the one who invited us. In other words, we can't "just show up." Because, like happened with Isaiah, when we get to "the party," there may be another invitation, and if God says, "will you go for me," you need to be ready to respond.

The "many are called, but few are chosen" phrase in Matthew 22:14 doesn't mean that we are predestined for what we respond to, only that we are predestined for what we are called to. The response is entirely up to us. God calls every one of us. Like in the parable, God goes to the elect, the powerful, the beautiful, the "worthy," but God doesn't stop there. God also goes out to the seedy side of town, to the mental hospitals, the homeless shelters, anywhere there are people that nobody else wants to see. If we are too busy with our lives to choose the invitation that God sends, then we are not chosen. If we show up but can't or won't show God that we REALLY want to be there, then we are not chosen either. We are chosen when we can honestly and humbly say to God, "I accept your invitation, what do you want me to bring."

Great and glorious God, author of all things good and righteous. We admit to you that we are often too wrapped up in our busy and every day tasks to sit and listen to you calling us. Even when we hear your call, we just can't seem to take the time to listen or respond. Forgive us for this failing in our lives, and give us the strength and courage to heed your invitation, and respond with, "what is it you want me to bring." Nothing that we have to do in this life is more important than what it is YOU want us to do, so give us the strength, courage and direction needed to hear AND heed your call. This we ask in your precious name, Amen.