Not Willing to Come

For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
(Psalms 55:12-13 NKJV)

"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.... But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them." (Matthew 22:2-6 NKJV)

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!" (Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV)

Even when King David had to flee for his life from his son Absalom—who attempted to hunt down and kill his father, who violated his father's wives as a sign of his utmost contempt—David could not bear to see Absalom destroyed, so great was the love of a father for his son.

Many argue that if God is truly loving, there cannot be a hell, for He would condemn no one there whom He loves. God's Word assures us that He takes no pleasure in condemnation, but simply gives a person over to what they themselves have chosen: existence apart from God.

God loves even the wicked enough that He does not force those not willing to come to Him to love Him or live with Him. No one shall be dragged into heaven. Heaven could not be heaven if filled with those who are enemies of God.

Heavenly Father, how great Your pain must be for all those You've loved who would have nothing to do with You. Please work in our hearts to make our love all the greater for You. Let our love and praise be pleasing to You. Show us how to pray for those who do not love You.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy