¨For there are many invited, but few chosen.¨ Matthew 22:14 (Reference Bible)
In Jesus´ parable in Matthew 22 the King finally rounded up people to come to the wedding banquet of His Son. The original guests that were invited had not been worthy to enter according to the King. He had invited them but they were more interested in their own things than in making their way to the event He had planned. So He sent His messengers and they brought in other guests from all different parts.
However, it says that the King found someone who had not taken care to prepare himself and clothe himself in an acceptable manner. He questions the man and gets no response so He gives the command to cast this man out into the darkness again.
To place importance on the words of Jesus, let´s examine the meanings. Most may agree that the King is God, His Son who is getting married is Jesus, and the guests are you and I. The servants of God went out first to gather the ones who had been invited from the very beginning but found they didn´t care enough about God to put His plans before their own. These messengers from the Lord were treated badly and even killed. The parable is quite accurate in describing the world´s reaction to the messengers of God throughout the ages.
Then others were sent and they gathered people on the roadways and inviting whoever would listen to them. These managed to bring in guests to fill the banquet hall of the Lord. But when the King comes in, He finds that not all are really dressed as they should be to be in the presence of the King. So He kicks him out.
The first reaction may be to think that this is so harsh. But remember, we are not considering here a mere festival dinner. Jesus is talking about the future of the human race. This banquet is the pinnacle of our existence. This event is the goal to which we have been working towards whether we were aware of it or not.
So when the Lord says that many are invited but few chosen, this statement should jolt us a little. A person truly concerned with whether or not they will be allowed to participate in this glorious event someday, should do whatever it takes to prepare themselves for it. If we know we should be dressed a certain way, then take whatever pains required so that we will be presentable.
In the case of a Christian, we know we should be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. We should be wearing His righteousness as a presentable suit or dress. We should be so enveloped in Christ that what others see is his covering and not our bare and soiled earthly bodies.
Dear Jesus, we have heard Your messengers urging us to come to Your wedding feast. We ask that You impart to us an urgency to assure that we throw off our things and come. But equally important, wrap us in Your righteousness so that our appearance is acceptable in the sight of the King. We do not want to leave any chance that we may be rejected and thrown out of His presence.
In your name we pray,
Amen


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