We have all received invitations to events where the inviter wishes for us to RSVP. They want us to respond. But what do those letters actually mean? It is a French expression. “Répondez s’il vous plaît.” I never knew that until right now when I Googled it. Telling you that reveals my lack of social education. I’m sorry I am not more couth.
I bring this up because I was reading II Peter 1 and came across the following, “Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” God has sent us an invitation to attend the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. See Revelation 19:6-9. It is fascinating that He wants us to confirm or RSVP. We are tempted to think He already knows how many place settings to have ready. He can tell the heavenly caterers how much food to prepare. Why does He need an RSVP? Once again it’s for us. Everything He ever asks of us is for us. By sending Him an RSVP we commit ourselves to attend.
A rich young man approached Jesus and said, “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus’ answer was basically, “Please send my Father an RSVP.” Yes, I know Jesus told Him to sell his goods and give it to the poor. Jesus was saying, “Clear your calendar.” Get rid of everything and anything that would conflict with the invitation. God’s invitation is the best invitation we will ever receive. Clear your calendar. Cancel anything that would interfere. That will be your RSVP.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 4, 2016
PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org