I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33
In 1964 the musical My Fair Lady racked up eight Oscar wins, including best picture. But the movie’s lead actress, Audrey Hepburn, was completely shut out. She wasn’t even nominated. Rumor had it that Hepburn was snubbed because she hadn’t done her own singing.
No matter how deserving we may seem, someone can always find a reason to leave us out. To make us feel insignificant and less than. It hurts when we aren’t invited to the party.
How many times have we scrolled through social media feeds and discovered we weren’t included in a special event? Or felt the sting of a friend who stops returning calls? What about the important staff meeting we didn’t know about? Exclusion stings.
God is no stranger to snubs. From the moment Eve excluded God’s direction from her decision to eat the fruit, He knew what it felt like. But God has given an open invitation to each of us on earth to be an honored guest at a wedding feast fit for the King.
God beckons us to come to the party. We can come even if we’ve been snubbed by others. We’re welcome even if we don’t measure up. We’re loved even if we’ve made terrible mistakes. We can sit beside the One who sent His Son to walk the filthy streets in search of anyone who’s ever felt rejected.
All we have to do is accept His invitation.
Today’s One Thing
Is there someone you know who is often overlooked and left out? Extend an invitation. Invite them to your table. Welcome them into your home and heart. You’ll become more like Jesus each time you do.