Morning Devotional 100624 Personal Invitation

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  October 6, 2024

Matthew 22:37-39

37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You who kill the prophets and stone those who were sent to you. How often I wanted to gather your people together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you didn’t want that. 38 Look, your house is left to you deserted. 39 I tell you, you won’t see me until you say, Blessings on the one who comes in the Lord’s name.”

Good Morning! Happy Lord’s Day

Today is World Communion Sunday! This day has special meaning to me because it is when Christians worldwide commune together as one body. Within our communion liturgy are the words, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!

Christ invites us to come! Think of the special feeling you have when you receive an invitation. I think, “Wow, they want me to come!” A personal invitation is different than an open invitation. An open invitation is given to a group because you are connected somehow. For example, you issue an open invitation to your workgroup to join you for a party. You do this because that is considered proper etiquette. 

A personal invitation is different and more meaningful. The person is specifically inviting you to come. Christ invites each of us by name to come and join him. This is not a one-time event. Communion transcends time and space. When we receive the elements, we gather with all, past, present, and future, who call Christ their Lord and Savior. 

Come! Christ has saved you a seat! 

Dear Lord, We are your children! Help us to set aside our differences and join together as one body, now and forevermore. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Christ offers us a personal invitation to come.

Don’t be late! Pastor Liz