Matthew 22:1-14 states: Jesus again used stories [parables] to teach them. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding feast [banquet] for his son. When the feast [banquet] was ready, the king sent his servants to tell [inform; call] the people who had been invited, but they refused to come.
“Then the king sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited that my feast [banquet] is ready. I have killed my best bulls [or oxen] and [fattened] calves for the dinner, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast [banquet].’” “But the people refused to listen [paid no attention] to the servants and left to do other things [went their own way]. One went to work in his field [his field/farm], and another went to his business. Some of the other people [or The rest] grabbed the servants, beat [mistreated; insulted] them, and killed them. The king was furious and sent his army to kill [destroy] the murderers and burn their city [probably an allusion to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70].
After that, the king said to his servant, ‘The wedding feast [banquet] is ready. I invited those people, but they were not worthy [do not deserve] to come. So go to the street corners [crossroads; or main roads] and invite everyone you find to come to my feast [banquet].’ So the servants went into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad [evil]. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. [But] When the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man who was not dressed for a wedding [in wedding clothes].
The king said, ‘Friend, how were you allowed to come in here? You are not dressed for a wedding. ‘But the man said nothing [was speechless/silent]. So the king told some servants, ‘Tie this man’s hands and feet. Throw him out into the darkness [darkness outside; or outermost darkness], where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain [there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; symbols of agony and torment].’ Yes [For], many are invited [called], but only a few are chosen.”
There are so many Christians waiting to hear from God but they never pick up their Bible to read His words. Many don’t know this but that’s how God talks to us. Everybody who asks me how can they hear from God, I simply tell them read your Bible. I know a lot of people don’t understand the Bible, all they have to do is ask the Holy Spirit to speak to their heart and help them to understand what the word of God is saying to them. It’s very important to get an understanding of God’s word (the Bible).
The Bible is the way of life, it tells you how you should live and how not to live. I know a lot of people have a problem with God telling them what they can and can’t do but you must understand God loves you, He is our Heavenly Father and He cares about what happens to you. After all, who knows whats best for us other than God our Heavenly Father the one who created us.
I remember a TV show back in the early 60’s called “Father Knows Best.” Some of you who grew up in that generation might remember that show. It was about a family with respect for the father because he knew what was best by being the guiding light for his family. Now don’t you think our Heavenly Father knows what’s best for us? He truly loves us and wants the best for us just like the story in Matthew 22:1-14 above. In this story the Father is inviting us to His “banquet” that He is going to prepare in Heaven. But there are going to be a lot of people who won’t be there and it’s not because they weren’t invited but it’s because they refused His invitation. Just like back then, many will be busy with the things of this world where they just won’t have time for God.
My brothers and sisters, God is talking to us. He wants us to come to the “banquet” that He is going to prepare for us but I know some of you probably don’t believe me. So read the story for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it. Don’t just take my word. Even though He is talking to the people back then, He is talking to us about the same thing today! Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the light. He is the key to getting into the “banquet.” After all, it’s all about Jesus. Just ask Him today to come into your heart and you will make Him your Lord and Savior. AMEN.
Contact Marcus at: mchandler2011@hotmail.com or 501-908-9507.