10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

Two Responses Too Grace

There were two responses as the runners went from city to city with the invitation of the Passover in Jerusalem. Some of those, who heard of the call to return and find God’s grace and mercy, responded by laughing the messengers, the couriers, to scorn. They mocked them and they rejected the invitation.

But vs. 11 tells us that some men from Asher, Manasseh and Zebulan humbled themselves and come to Jerusalem. In addition, vs. 12 tells us the response of the people of Judah, 2 Chronicles 30:12 in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

The result is what we see in vs. 13, 2 Chronicles 30:13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.

Our Response

Today when the Gospel invitation is given, there are still just two responses mocking God’s grace or humbling ourselves to find God’s grace.

If you ignore the call, walk away or refuse it then just like the people of Hezekiah day, you are mocking the grace, mercy and love of God.

Paul writing to the church at Rome stated this in very strong words, Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?. If you don’t respond to God’s call to grace and repent, then you are despising God’s goodness that gave you time to respond.

I pray that you have responded as those who came to Jerusalem responded, by coming to the Lord, answering the invitation of Grace by humbling ourselves and coming to the throne of Grace, the hill of Calvary, the foot of Jesus Christ the Savior who died for us. If you listen, you can hear Jesus calling you even now. Its right here in Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Over and over and over again we hear in God’s word the call to come but hearing it will never be enough, we must turn around, we must take the step, we must grasp the handle, we must go to the Lord.

Almost the last thing recorded in the New Testament is again the invitation to come. It’s written here so that it could be echoed over and over again from the time of the apostles to the time of Jesus return.

Revelation 22:16-17 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.