”Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Revelation 19:9New International Version (NIV)
Revelation 19:9 Devotional
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!
Revelation 19:9 states that those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb are blessed. That is, those who are invited are fortunate.
Therefore, the guests or invitees of the wedding supper of the Lamb are the ones that are referred to as being blessed. They are the persons who respond positively to the gospel message – they repent and believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
Matthew 22:1-14
Invited guests changed their minds
In Matthew 22:1-14, a king hosts a wedding celebration for his son. And the king and his son are God and Jesus Christ respectively.
But the invited guests, who had initially confirmed their attendance, changed their minds. They, therefore, treated the king’s servants harshly, even killing them, when the king sent them to summon the invited guests.
Consequently, enraged, the king sent forth his army to destroy the invited guests. He even had them burn their city.
Others invited, the banquet hall has to be filled
Additionally, the king also sent other servants to the highways and everywhere else to invite everyone they found to the feast, to fill the banquet hall. The king desired his banquet hall (kingdom of heaven) be filled.
Therefore, this indiscriminate gesture on the king’s part illustrates the diverse nature of the church as people from every tongue, race, and nation will be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. Nobody will be left out.
But remember, Jesus’ immediate audience was made up of the religious leaders of His day. Therefore, the parable no doubt refers to Israel.
Inappropriately dressed guest
Nonetheless, the story takes an interesting turn, however. The king singles out a solitary guest who is not dressed appropriately.
Despite the guest gladly having come to the feast to partake of the food, drink, dance, and fellowship, he has dishonored the king and disdained his son by refusing to wear the simple white robe the king required and all guests had to wear. Therefore, the king ordered his attendants to bind the guest’s hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness, far away from the feast.
Consequently, the guest is a picture of us. Remember, our garments are stained because of sin, and only Jesus can clothe us with the correct garments (stainless) that the king requires.
Many are invited but few are chosen
Finally, Jesus ended the parable with the words, “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). And this concluding statement from Jesus illustrates that many people are invited into God’s kingdom, but only those who repent and honor the Son are chosen to enter.
Constantly ready
Therefore, you and I need to be constantly ready for the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). We need to emulate the readiness of the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Only the king (God) knows the day of the wedding feast (Matthew 24:36).
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the great privilege of choosing me to be part of the wedding supper of the Lamb. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Blessing
May you give God thanks today, for you are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 14-16 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
