“The RoseBouquet”

Jesus told another story to illustrate the kingdom of Heaven. It is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He had sent out invitations, and then sent servants to collect the responses.

But those first servants were ignored. The invitees for the most part, paid no attention. They went about their work. Some of the invitees grabbed the servants, mistreated and killed them.

The king was understandably enraged. He sent more servants, but this time they were to invite and bring in anyone they could find in the streets who would be willing to come to the banquet. The king wanted his halls filled.

However, we learn that they had to have wedding clothes. For when the king came in to see his guests, he spotted one man without the required garb. “Friend,” the king said to that man, “how did you get in here without wedding clothes?”

The man was speechless. Meaning he had no answer.

Jesus added that the king had the man thrown out into a darkness where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Remorse? He added, “For many are invited but few are chosen.”

Isn’t that odd? First the king was desperate to bring in guests, but then He requires the right attire, and they must be chosen.

I believe though, that it was the custom in that day for wedding clothes to be issued along with the invitation. That man without the clothes had tried to enter by some other means than per invitation.

PRAYER: Lord, that lines up with the teaching in the gospels, that there is no other way to come to the Father, but through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. You want us all to come - but only clothed with Jesus’ righteousness can we dare stand in Your presence.

Thank You for this provision, LORD!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. What high school grad would skip her banquet to dash away to help a friend in a crisis? Would you? Ruthe does this right at the beginning of this story. She can be quite daring for a shy, small town girl, when it is for others’ sakes. You’ll like her spunk! Get “Ruthe’s Secret Roses.” the softcover at Booklocker.com