Marching Forth!

This morning I spent some time meditating on Jesus' words at the conclusion of a parable in  Matthew 22:14 :  " For many are called, but few are chosen ."  Consideration of the whole parable was helpful to better understand why Jesus made this the point of emphasis.  I was quite familiar with the passage of Scripture, but after consideration and asking the LORD I feel my understanding of the parable has grown. In the parable likened to the kingdom of God, Jesus spoke of a king who arranged a marriage for his son and then sent his servants to gather those who were invited to attend.  It was a very attractive proposal, for the king had already slaughtered the oxen and fatlings.  The time for joyous feasting in the presence of royalty had come for all invited!  Strangely, those who were invited made light of the king's invitation and continued in their menial duties, going to work at their farms or businesses rather than feasting at the king's command....

Some are watching with interest of the testimony Dr. Fauci being confronted by members of a Senate committee in a hearing concerning his statements, knowledge and involvement during the COVID pandemic.  It became immediately apparent the doctor was unwilling to answer any questions when he invoked the 5th Amendment over one hundred times.  On the advice of counsel Fauci refused to answer questions about subjects as banal as if there was a red folder on the desk in front of him or what colour of tie he was wearing.  The refusal to honestly answer any questions presented to him to avoid incriminating himself did not look good to the public, but it may have been the safest strategy given his uncomfortable predicament. Senators, members of congress, lawyers and judges ask questions that may or may not be answered honestly.  Jesus distinguished Himself from all rulers, elected politicians and savvy citizens because He knows the hearts of all people.  He knows why peo...

During a holiday many years ago, I attended a Catholic Mass with a good friend who told me what to expect and do as the service went on.  When it came time to receive communion, he encouraged me to go forward with other parishoners and cross my arms to "receive a blessing" from the priest.  In good faith I followed the advice of my friend and did something I never observed anyone else do before.  The sign of the cross being waved over me was a little thing compared to the blessing that was already provided by Christ spoken of in Psalm 32:1 :  " Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered ."  Jeremiah 17:7 also reads, “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD ."  How blessed we are in Jesus Christ! The fact a blessing is made available during mass for visitors and those unable to partake of communion demonstrates people desire blessing.  We Christians frequently pray for blessing--that God would ble...

Preparing for a wedding is a mammoth task.  Coupled with the desire of trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can be overwhelming.  I have found when our expectation is perfection, we will almost always be disappointed--even when we have done our best.  As a groomsman years ago, I remember watching other groomsmen tie and retie their neckties to acheive the perfect looking knot.  What's funny is the ties we wore back then are probably so out of style no one would consider wearing them today. I am amazed at the level of detail people consider and the extensive preparation when it comes to outfits, makeup, accessories, suits and shoes for weddings and special events.  Even as people put a great deal more thought and investment into their wardrobes than I do, God has considered more intricate and intimate details about us and the world we live in.  The God who created all things is the God of details that are bigger than the universe and smaller than ...

When Samuel looked at Eliab, he imagined the anointed of the LORD stood before him.  God immediately corrected the erroneous thinking of the prophet who was impressed by Eliab's good looks and physical height, for God does not see as man sees--focused on the outer appearance--but looks upon the heart.  God easily recognised pride that hid behind a humble fascade and selfishness, arrogance and fear of man that disqualified him to be considered a man after God's own heart.  Hebrews 4:12 explains the piercing nature of God's word:  " For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "  Man's secret motives, thoughts, unbelief and faith are clearly seen by God. For our benefit the Bible often reveals the motivation of people like in Matthew 14:14 that reads, " And when Jesus went out He saw ...

" Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.     But the correction of fools is folly ." Proverbs 16:22 Our ability to understand is a gift given us by God.  Elihu said in Job 32:7-9 , " I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’   8 But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice ."  God who knows all things and created mankind is able to give eternal life and understanding by His grace.  Unless the living God had revealed Himself to us, we could never know Him or experience the abundant life He delights to provide all who trust in Him. Solomon described understanding as a "wellspring of life" to those who have it.  This understanding is more than observing or accepting reality as we perceive it, but it is knowledge of what is true and the desire to submit our lives to it.  This wellspr...