A Call to Consecration and Kingdom Living

Morning: Exodus 29-30
Evening: Matthew 21:1-22

God calls His people to be set apart for His purposes. In Exodus 29-30, we see the detailed instructions for the consecration of priests, showing that worship and service to God require holiness and devotion. Likewise, in Matthew 22:1-22, Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast, illustrating how God invites us into His kingdom, yet many refuse. Just as the priests were consecrated for God’s work, we, too, are called to live set-apart lives, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, ready for His kingdom.

Through these passages, we are reminded that God desires both our hearts and our obedience. He provides everything we need to approach Him, yet we must respond with a willing and surrendered heart. Are we truly prepared for the invitation He has given us?

Key Insights

1. God Desires Holiness in His People – Exodus 29-30 emphasizes the sanctification of the priests through sacrifices, cleansing, and anointing. This foreshadows our call to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), set apart for God’s purposes.
2. God’s Invitation Requires a Response – In Matthew 22, the king invited guests to the wedding, but many rejected it. God invites us into His kingdom, but we must accept His call with a willing heart.
3. We Must Wear the Right Garments – The man in the parable without a wedding garment was cast out (Matthew 22:11-14). This signifies that we must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness, not our own standards of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
4. God Provides Everything We Need – In both passages, God supplies what is required for worship and entry into His presence. He gives us His Spirit, His Word, and the sacrifice of Jesus so we may approach Him boldly (Hebrews 10:19-22).
5. Render to God What is Rightfully His – Jesus’ teaching about paying tribute (Matthew 22:15-22) reminds us that everything belongs to God. Our lives, worship, and devotion should reflect His rightful place as Lord.

Connection to Other Scripture

• Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Like the priests in Exodus, we are called to be consecrated to God.
• Isaiah 61:10 – “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” This reminds us that we must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness, just as the wedding guests needed the right garments.
• 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” A call to live set apart, just as the priests were in the Old Testament.

Questions to Reflect On

1. Have I fully accepted God’s invitation to be part of His kingdom, or am I making excuses like those in the parable?
2. Am I clothed in Christ’s righteousness, or am I relying on my own efforts to be right with God?
3. In what areas of my life is God calling me to greater holiness and consecration?
4. How can I give to God what rightfully belongs to Him—my time, worship, obedience, and trust?
5. Do I recognize that God has provided everything I need to walk closely with Him?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into Your presence and calling me to be set apart for Your kingdom. Help me to respond with a willing and obedient heart. Clothe me in the righteousness of Christ and cleanse me from anything that hinders my walk with You. Teach me to live in holiness, surrendering all that I am to Your perfect will. May my life be a living sacrifice, honoring You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.