Thursday, May 7, 2015

At the table

"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend? The man was speechless." Matthew 22:11-12



At the end of every marathon, there is a table set up with food and beverages, a feast of sorts, for those runners that participated in and finished the race. To gain access, a person would need to be properly dressed so they could be identified as a runner. A tech shirt, running shorts and a bib would do the trick. Anyone not wearing the telltale attire would not be granted access and anyone found inside who didn't belong there would be asked to leave. Matthew 22:1-14 tells the parable of the Wedding Banquet where a feast was also awaiting those wearing the right clothes.  Many were invited to attend but few were "chosen" to gain entrance.

The story goes that the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king arrived, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. Because of this, "the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (v.13). You see, this man was not appropriately dressed to attend the banquet or eat at the table. Galatians 3:27 describes it this way, "And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes." The wedding clothes picture the righteousness needed to enter God's kingdom. Just like us, the man had received his invitation stating the requirements. He wanted to attend but did not want to "change" to do it. By not accepting Christ, he had no "new clothes" to wear and so was thrown outside into the darkness.

How about you? Have you accepted the invitation? Have you clothed yourself with Christ so that you might gain entrance into the King's banquet (eternal life)? If not, the offer is open to all who will only believe, change and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Won't you do that today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing such an elaborate banquet for us. How wonderful it will be to celebrate that day when we will attend it. Lord, I pray, that those who have not accepted the invitation would do so before it is too late. Before there is no time left and they are denied entrance. Help us to be clothed in Christ every day that we might draw others to you. And, if there is anyone ready to accept the invitation today, I pray that they would believe in You, accept you as their King, repent of their sins and put on their "new clothes."  It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
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At the table - Chris Tomlin

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