In what ways can we actively respond to God's invitation in our lives? The King's Invitation: Luke 14:17 “At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ ” (Luke 14:17) God’s Invitation in Everyday Life • Salvation—John 3:16; Acts 16:31 • Intimacy—Revelation 3:20; Psalm 27:8 • Service—Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 9:37–38 • Surrender—Romans 12:1; Luke 9:23 How Scripture Models an Active “Yes” • Immediate obedience: Matthew 4:20—“At once they left their nets and followed Him.” • Availability: Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me!” • Faith-filled movement: Hebrews 11:8—Abraham “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” • Wholehearted devotion: Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:39) “sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.” Practical Ways to Respond Today 1. Prioritize His voice – Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8) – Quiet, listening prayer (Psalm 46:10) 2. Act promptly on convictions – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.” – Small obediences cultivate bigger ones. 3. Open your home and table – Hebrews 13:2; reflect the banquet spirit. 4. Reorder schedules around kingdom work – Matthew 6:33: seek first the kingdom. 5. Proclaim the invitation to others – 2 Corinthians 5:20: ambassadors for Christ. Blessings of Acceptance, Warnings of Refusal • Fulness of joy—Psalm 16:11; John 15:11 • Eternal life—John 5:24 • Missed opportunity if ignored—Luke 14:24: “None of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.” • Hardened heart over time—Hebrews 3:15 Living the “Everything Is Ready” Lifestyle • Wake each morning expecting divine appointments. • Keep repentance short; sin dulls hearing. • Celebrate grace—regular communion and corporate worship. • Serve with hospitality, generosity, and testimony. • Await the ultimate banquet—Revelation 19:9—“Blessed are those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” Come, for everything is now ready—let every day echo that call in word, deed, and attitude. |
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