The Wedding

Matthew 22:2-10 - “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. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’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. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests."

God is this king and His Son is Jesus. The wedding, the gathering or feast, is the Kingdom of Heaven. The servants are those who proclaim His gospel, who invite others to come into relationship with Christ, who could be rejected, even murdered, for their testimony and invitation. As you see, the king was angry with the people who mistreated His servants!

There will be a wedding feast prepared for His beloved...those who call Him Lord and Savior. This will be the feast of all feasts and a culmination of the calling and inviting of people on earth. Many will have been invited, but few actually will be at that table. Many will disregard the whole idea. When that day comes, like in another scripture about the last days, people will be too busy to heed the call. They will be about their lives, eating and drinking and being too merry to heed the invitation, making excuses.

I am also reminded of how God's people, the Jews, rejected Jesus as their Messiah (The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.) He then included the Gentiles, any who would be willing to receive Christ His Son as their Lord and Savior (Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.) The good and the bad referred to: those of good character and morally sound, and criminals, murderers, etc...both of whom are sinful and in need of saving...like we all are.

There will be judgment for those who have chosen not to come. Jesus doesn't call those who think they are worthy. He came to save the sinner. He came to heal the sick (in spirit). He doesn't look for the smartest, bravest, richest, proudest, or ones who have made it to the top in their own strength. He calls those who have humbled themselves before God, who have realized they are a sinner in need of a Savior.

Those worthy of being seated at the table will enjoy a marvelous marriage supper with the Lamb. A marriage made in heaven! A blessing to those who have accepted the invitation. Jesus will be seated among His true friends and followers. Don't let the invitation be ignored. Let's be sure we can join Him for this, the grandest of wedding feasts.

“Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation19:9)