“The Highways and the Hedges!” – Romans 11:33-12:8
The Appalachian folk song, has the lines, “If He calls me I will answer, I’ll be somewhere workin’ for my Lord.” Paul writes to the Romans, use your gifts. Why would Paul tell the Romans and us to recognize our gifts and use them? The answer: we are called out and yes as God leads, we will answer.
In the parable that Jesus told the Pharisees and His disciples, the host had difficulties getting his invited guests to his banquet. So he told his Banquet Planner (servant) to go out to the city and invite the poor, the blind and the lame. When there still was room he said go out to the highways and the hedges and invite those you find so the banquet table will be full.
Paul’s instructions are clear. We have a God that loves us. God wants all to sit at the banquet table and know His truth, love and grace. We are to live a life that uses the gifts He has given us inviting those who are curious to the banquet.
Question of the week: Christ tell a parable in Luke 14 that reads, “And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'” The reference to highways is understood, but what is meant by “hedges?”
Answer: A hedge was grown for protection around a field or vineyard. It was commonly made of thorns, which were planted thick, and which kept the cattle out of the vineyard. The plant used for this purpose at the time Jesus told this parable could have been the prickly pear, a species of cactus, which grows several feet high, grows very thick and has very sharp thorns.
Iron Man Steak Night at Messiah
Iron Man Steak Night is Saturday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. at Messiah. Tickets are on sale at Messiah for $15. Christian Comedian, Brad Stine will be sharing his wit and wisdom that evening and why, as Men of Faith, we need to step up and become “Courageous Men of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 says “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Stine travels the country speaking regularly at men’s ministry events carrying a humorous, but passionate message, mixing hilarious antidotes to everyday life coupled with a message for men and their need to sell-out for Jesus. Brad is also co-staring, along side James Remar, Dean Stockwell, Bruce Davidson and Fred Thompson, in a new movie, “Persecuted,” released this summer. Persecuted is an exciting political thriller. A must see for all Christians! To see a preview, go to www.persecutedmovie.com.
Sunday School Schedule Change
Word of Life Sunday School will not be held during August. Each LifeGroup will decide whether or not to meet also during August.
