Week 1, Friday December 2
Matthew 22:1-14
Vs 8-14
Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
When I was in grade school, a little girl that lived across the street invited me to her birthday party. It was a Disney Princess party! I was so excited. I had my cute outfit on, the gift wrapped and a huge smile on my face. I walked in, and my countenance fell. Every little girl there was wearing a Disney Princess costume; glitter and taffeta and everything that I did NOT have on. I was the only one not in proper attire, and I was mortified. I didn’t even own a Disney Princess dress that I could run home and change into!
I did not have the proper garment.
I didn’t even have the ability to put on the right garment if I had wanted to!
I still remember that feeling of embarrassment 30 years later, and to this day I double check invitations. I am doubly sure to prepare as I wait for the date to arrive.
Jesus is not concerned about taffeta and glitter or if our outfit matches others at the table. He has not pre-selected a theme that the guests must abide by.
The Lord is concerned with our spiritual garments: how have we prepared ourselves for joining God at the heavenly banquet?
Will we get kicked out of his party if we are not dressed appropriately?
No. Well, and yes.
We don’t own the right outfit. But Jesus does.
It is HIS righteousness, grace, and forgiveness that we put on.
These are things that we do not own, and cannot purchase, and we are completely incapable of dressing ourselves in them. These garments are gifts from God.
And we have been given the time to prepare ourselves. While we wait for the arrival of his great heavenly banquet, we have the invitation to clothe ourselves in faith and prayer and adorn ourselves in Christ. These are the appropriate garments.