Patheos

BuddhistCatholicContemplativeEvangelicalGeneral ChristianHinduJewishLatter-day SaintMuslimNew VisionsProgressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Patheos

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube

Through the Eyes of Faith

How Will You Respond to Your Invitation?

Last updated on: August 17, 2023 at 12:36 pm   by Faith E. Richardson

0 Comments

How Will You Respond to Your Invitation? 2023-08-17T12:36:20-06:00 Faith E. Richardson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

An invitation to the banqueting table

How will you respond to the banqueting table in the kingdom of God? Faith Richardson/Canva.com

Parties are social events where people gather. Often to celebrate a special occasion. Some parties celebrate the birthday of a loved one. Others recognize greatness by honoring the guest with a plaque or a trophy for their accomplishments. Some parties remember the life of a loved one who passed, while others celebrate a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. However, they all come with an RSVP. Even if it’s not official, they all want to know if you plan on attending.

I’ve been invited to many parties. Do I always RSVP? I try to. I know how exasperating it can be when hosting a party and expecting 40 when only 15 show up. What am I going to do with all this food? Right? So, I make it a priority to RSVP. Even though a “no” to my RSVP can be disappointing, I’d rather know ahead of time, than prepare a beautiful spread and have no one attend. Please be kind and RSVP when you’re invited to a party. Your host will thank you.

As heartbreaking as it may sound, sometimes we’re not given an invitation. Betrayal glares at you from across the room.  Fear snickers and joins Mockery in a victory dance. Sorrow and Suffering remind you; no one wants to be in your company. Exhaustion yawns and gives you a reason to decline anyway.

Matthew 11:28-30

There is one party we’re ALL invited to; The banqueting table in the Kingdom of God where Jesus is our host. Jesus himself invites us all to come, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Boy, does this sound inviting! I can’t wait to attend. In case you haven’t received your invitation, I’m extending it to you today.

Jesus wants us to know that while the invitation is for everyone, we have to RSVP to be with Him at the banquet. Have you accepted His invitation? What’s holding you back?      

Evangelical

Women in Religion

Invitation

God

Hope

Invitation

Jesus

Scripture

Spirituality

About Faith E. Richardson

Faith E. Richardson was born in Traverse City, Michigan. She lived there nine short years before moving with her mom to Fort Worth, Texas where she would remain for another eighteen years. After meeting Trent, the love of her life, they married and moved to Colorado where they raised their two children. Currently retired from decades of human resource work, Faith renewed her passion for writing. Her life experiences and dramatic flair for storytelling draw the reader in with thought-provoking material on the wonder and truth of spiritual encounters. It's her desire to get her readers as excited about the Holy Spirit as she is. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post



July 27, 2023

Whom are You Following?

Next Post



August 8, 2023 10 Tips for God's Messengers - Part 1

Recent Comments

0 | Leave a Comment

"(Romans 8:18) For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy ..."

Herrnhut


4 Reasons to Lament in Hard ..."

"It seems Jesus went off the “acceptable” path when he visited Samaria. And then he ..."

David Lindmeier


Rejoice and Grow in Judgment

"Well said, Faith! ❤️"

Kanaka Perea


Are You Up for the Challenge?

"Do you start your day with Jesus first?"

Faith E. Richardson


Follow God’s Directions


Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Emotions Encouragement Forgiveness God's Love Invitation Kindness Matters Metaphorically Speaking Open Minded Prayer Tips Trust Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023


Follow Us!

Follow Us on Facebook



TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What practice did Ezra enforce upon discovering intermarriage with pagans?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Fast for months Divorce foreign wives Ignore the issue Worship at home

Books by This Author Books by Through the Eyes of Faith

See All Titles »

Related posts from Through the Eyes of Faith

General Christian

The Script of Life: Understanding God's Role in...

Through the Eyes of Faith

General Christian

Waiting to Transformation: The Power of Faith &...

Through the Eyes of Faith

General Christian

Holy Spirit Invites You to the Dance Floor

Through the Eyes of Faith

General Christian

4 Reasons to Lament in Hard Times

Through the Eyes of Faith

TRENDING AT PATHEOS General Christian

Does Eschatology Change How We Vote?

Three years ago I asked a question: "Does Eschatology Change Politics?" Well,...

Mixing Tourism and Faith - The Monastic Site...

Traveling abroad offers the opportunity to multitask by combining tourism with learning...

Seventy and Five Years Old: God Still Starts...

There is a small detail tucked into Genesis 12 that I skipped...

A Biblical Vision of Success in Christian Life...

The Concern and Quest  Recent trends and tendencies I note around me...

Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the Church

  Indigenous' Peoples Day or Columbus Day? Depending on where you live...

When Spiritual Growth Looks Like Losing Ground

Four Passive Spiritual Disciplines: An Introduction When I was a college freshman,...

view all General Christian blogs

Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Copyright 2008-2026, Patheos. All rights reserved.

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos Patheos on Facebook Patheos on YouTube