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 come in here without wedding clothes?" And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen.
Matthew 22:8-9, 11-14
O: This comes from the last passage of the Parable of the Marriage Feast - The parables that Jesus tells often confuse me to no end. I'm all about symbolism, but I know that parables are usually translated with the intention of having one lesson and one important meaning, so I often cannot understand parables. But I'm making the guess that the important point was heavily emphasized at the end of this parable.
What is the one moral lesson? In the last two parables I've read - (Two Sons, and Landowner) it seems that these parables seem to all be similar. The kingdom of God was something the Jewish leaders thought they had in their grasp-and yet Jesus Christ, the very Messiah awaited as salvation and King; was utterly despised and rejected by them.
In the conclusion of the Two Sons, Jesus told the leaders that sinners and Gentiles repented after hearing John, and yet they rejected John (whom Jesus emphasized was in the way of righteousness-that's pretty big Matthew 21:32).
In the conclusion of the Landowner, Jesus yet again compares the Jewish leaders who hardened their hearts and says that the kingdom would be taken from them and given to people who produce fruit of it. (Matthew 21:43)
For many are called, but few are chosen. The Jews were not prepared. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven (is this the same as the kingdom of God? Is this heaven? Er...Salvation?) was taken from those who did not recognize the invitation to it. Jesus said twice to the chief priests that people they regarded as lowly sinners would get into heaven before they did. I know I'm sort of placing a certain symbolic conclusion upon how the Pharisees are like the ones who rejected the invitation and went about their ways, thinking they could still attend-but in reality, they essentially rejected the kingdom! Many are called, but they fail to see that. And with that being said, few are chosen.
A: Should I be so assured of my salvation ? Do I look down upon others and think that they're so disillusioned, thinking that I'm well on my way while they're going to be condemned? I think I do sometimes. This parable pressed onto me to re-evaluate myself everyday. Is my faith in Christ? Or do I just think it is? When I see the Pharisees, I often wonder if I'm so blind-thinking that all my bible studies and such could be an extra reason to know I'm saved. But truly, salvation was clearly defined by Christ-as He is the way, truth, and life. No one else. But, I will walk by that daily-not renewing my salvation of course, but always questioning and always asking God to search me. I won't be so assured by anything other than Jesus Himself. And if I'm not seeing Him or yearning after Him, I will yet again come before the cross (daily) and be assured, yet again-not by my merits, but by His unmerited grace. Would I only be so blessed to know each day that I'm chosen.
P: Father, You are mercifully patient with those who reject You. I pray that You would be honored in my life-be what I adore and love and seek. For, I could hold onto Your Word like it's nothing important and come before You so dull-but I could never change the fact that You are good. Thank You.
Lord, my flesh plagues me yet again with lust. I am sorry that I am still trying to discipline myself. But, Lord, remind me to run and pray and use the sword of the Spirit to mortify my sin, daily. I want to be consecrated not for the weekend, but for this life! I know I may fail, but You are infinitely beyond me, so I ask that You honor my repentance of these things. That I may be daily renewed in You.
Father, I thank You for the people in my life that always bring great encouragement and inspiration. The brothers and sisters on praise team and in Pathway are always a blessing. Thank You! I pray Your favor would be upon all of them.
God, I would ask that You would resolve conflict and bring unity to Your people. I ask that You bring healing upon JP's father, that it should glorify Your Son and bring praise and honor to Him. I also pray that You would do what You see fit for tonight's prayer/praise night. I don't really know what to expect-but I really ask that You would bring these three ministries together to bring forth an overflow of discipleship and unity for Your glory. All these things in Christ, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
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