2 Chronicles 30:10 – 12

As we saw yesterday, Hezekiah threw the net wide (10a; see 6). The invitation was inclusive. Someone said that we Christians preach an exclusive message: Jesus is the only way to the only God there is. But because it is an exclusive message it is also inclusive: If Jesus is the only way to the only God there is, then all people must hear, regardless of creed, colour or culture.

The couriers went…as far as… How far are we prepared to travel; to what lengths will we go to carry the invites to God’s banquet?

The invitation is to come to the biggest and best party ever! It’s to be part of the Kingdom of God. You’d think it’s an offer that cannot be refused. But it can. The offer of a meaningful relationship with God (6-9) is such a clear one. But we need to understand that not everyone will be pleased to see or hear us (10b). We are ambassadors of Christ. We go as representatives of our King. We too can expect to be treated with scorn by some. Mockery is commonly experienced by professing Christians in the West. This is a form of persecution we are all too familiar with. We must expect to experience difficulty and discouragement as we try to disseminate God’s message.

Nevertheless…(11). Look for the Nevertheless part of the story. It will be there for you also. Yes, there were those who rejected, but there were also those who accepted: who repented, and returned to God (11, 12). In fact, there were many of them (13).

As we act as God’s couriers in this world we can expect trouble. There will be opposition and derision. Jesus never said it would be easy. Some preachers may have told you it would be a smooth path all the way to heaven, but the Lord never said that. Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. The Bible could not be clearer.

However, we can also anticipate great blessing. We can look for a big harvest. Our task is to go as we are sent and where we are sent. It is to open our mouths and speak the invitation to come to God’s table. We can be sure that He who sent us will be with us to change people and draw them to Him (12). As we go He will be with us to the end of the age. Let’s use our feet and look for His hand.

As you step into a new day, remember you’ve got an important errand to run. You have invitations to deliver. Make sure they get where they’re meant to go. And having done all, leave the results with God.

Prayer: Lord, I pray you will never have cause to be disappointed with my ‘courier service’.