Almost 35 years ago my wife and I had a big wedding! Ours wasn’t limited by space or even money. We had about 500 guests because my wife has a large family and lots of friends, cousins, aunties, etc. It was certainly by today’s standards- well attended. Can you imagine in a small village where everyone is invited to a wedding, if no one came? Its tragic on every level. Embarrassment for the father, the son, the people who prioritized work, travel, etc. over a wedding. I am speaking from experience because one of my greatest regrets in life is making that mistake. Like an idiot, I prioritized working in Atlanta over flying home to be part of my friend’s wedding. I hate that I did that. What in the heck was I thinking? I will never make that mistake again. Imagine, the tragedy of discounting the importance of making the wedding feast of the lamb (the kingdom of heaven) a priority? Its of utmost importance. God sent His Son to save us. We ought to make Him the object of our greatest affection, the purpose for our time, talent and treasure. We should accept God’s gracious invitation with joy and preparedness. Instead, many will reject it. Others will approach God’s holy life in a cavalier fashion, dressed in their old garments of sin and not the appropriate transformed, Spirit filled linens He offers..
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who held a wedding feast for his son. (Matthew 22:1-2)) But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie his hands and feet, and throw him into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place. For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:11-14 NASB
What is my attitude and priority given to God’s Kingdom? Do I approach the salvation He offers and the life He gives with great reverence, appreciation and joy? Do I feel personally chosen, or just called in a general sense?
God, as this day begins- May it be a day where my heart overflows with joy because I’ve been invited into a relationship with You, my maker and creator, the source of life itself. You are truly the way, the truth, and the life. I celebrate The Son of God. And in Your kingdom I choose to live. May I be one who shares the invitation with others, no matter when they are situated, nearby in my own village or on the highways and byways.
