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Read Exodus 32:1-14. As Moses is up on Mt. Sinai receiving the Law, the Israelites become impatient. For them, Moses represents God and without him, they feel lost. As a result, they create another stand-in, breaking the command regarding idols before the ink is even dry on the stone tablets. Often, when we feel God is distant or we feel empty or alone, our reaction is to find something to stand in for God. We may build “bigger barns,” filling them with money, possessions, or titles. We may try to fill the void with the praise and gratitude of others. We may cram our calendars full of activities and obligations. 

Which “idols” threaten to disrupt your devotion to God? What activities or relationships take up most of your time? How can you strike a healthy balance between the things of this world and your devotion to God? 

Offer a prayer of confession for those thoughts, behaviors, and activities that take your attention away from God and God’s will for your life.

Read Psalms 106:1-6, 19-23. In this song of praise, the psalmist recognizes that their own wellbeing is linked with the wellbeing of the community. “Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people; help me when you deliver them; that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory in your heritage (Psalm 106:4-5).” This reminds me of the phrase, “I’m only doing as well as my neighbors are doing.” 

To what extent are you able to rejoice for others when you see them prospering or thriving? How does your neighbor’s wellbeing affect your own – either negatively or positively? 

In prayer, commit yourself to celebrating the joys and successes of others, even those with whom you struggle.

Read Philippians 4:1-9. In this letter of encouragement, Paul urges the resolution of a specific conflict, reminding the community that even in their disagreement, they are all working toward the same goal of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Instead of focusing on their differences, they should keep their minds on whatever leads to peace and unity. They should be gentle and full of joy, honest and fair. 

Sticking to the values upon which the church was built is essential to their mission. What have been some of the conflicts within the church – locally and generally? Have you ever been directly involved in these conflicts? Were you a part of the resolution? Besides time, what made reconciliation possible? 

Today, offer a tense situation within the church to God. It may be something in the local church, in the denomination, or churches in general. Find assurance that God cares about God’s church and is already working on, in, and through it.

Read Matthew 22:1-14. In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet. The host has prepared a sumptuous feast, great music, and maybe even cool party favors. In the same way, God has prepared a reality that is full of abundance, equity, mercy, and peace. Why would anyone decline the invitation? Maybe because it takes effort to prepare yourself for it; maybe because it’s easier to stay set in your old ways; maybe because it’s easier to conform to the world’s definition of what’s right. And then in verses 11-14, there’s the person who comes underdressed for the occasion and is promptly ejected from the party. 

What do you make of these verses? Could it have something to do with a failure to recognize the importance and the value of this invitation? Could he have been wearing a “My way or the Highway” t-shirt? Or maybe he was clothed in hostility, arrogance, or a lack of concern for the well-being of others. If you received an invitation to the kingdom of heaven, what would you do to prepare? What gift would you bring? What would you hope to take home?

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the invitation to the kingdom of God that comes each and every day.