Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:9-14)
Today's Morsel: While living in Japan for 16 years, I came to realize that the employees don't wear just anything to work. They all dress very nice and tidy. If they are white collar workers, they will be in suits and ties, or dressed in what we call business casual. The ladies will be in a nice skirt or dress or business suit. If they are manual labors, they will have the uniform of the company to whom they belong with the company logo and name on it. They just don't dress any way they want. Weddings, if done right, can be some of the most beautiful events held. I got to get a short glimpse of the wedding that recently took place in England. Can you image all the preparation that went into getting it pulled off. If you'd noticed, everyone that had a part was in wedding attire. They had been invited to attend and they knew that the appropriate attire was required. They couldn't wear just anything and be a part of the wedding. When Jesus told the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a wedding, the first set of guests made excuses why they couldn't come and so He sent his servants to go into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. But when he came in to inspect the guests, there was one there with inappropriate attire and so the servant was told to escort him out. He was invited, but he made no preparation to adjust his attire. I've heard many people say "just come as you are." I think this passage refutes that teaching, because Jesus expects us to change. Even Aaron, the high priest, couldn't just walk into the temple in any attire. He had certain garments he had to put on. When Joseph was summoned by the king, he changed his garments, washed himself, and shaved. They knew you just can't appear before the king dressed and looking any old way. Don't let people tell you that you can come just as you are. The Master may ask you to be taken out. We should desire to give God our best, even in our outward attire. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"(2 Corinthians 5:17).
Sing: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God; pray in the Spirit, and with understanding, Oh magnify the Lord.
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