“When the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast 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 22:11-14
“Many are called but few …” Well, the normal response to that sentence would be “are chosen,” - “Many are called but few are chosen.” It’s right there in Verse 14. We can also say, “Many are called but few respond.”
Though God earnestly invites all to His Son’s feast, some refuse to accept His invitation and will not enjoy the richness of His grace. Coming from a long line of believers does not guarantee anyone a place in God’s kingdom. It doesn’t matter how many door knobs grandpa polished at church, how many altars he built, or how many times your faithful mother or father “dragged you to church,” until you were able to get away once you completed confirmation. Ingratitude, presumption, and apathy always threaten to lead us away. Though we don’t deserve mercy, the Gospel earnestly invites us to come and join the Lord in His eternal heavenly banquet.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you thanks that you have prepared a table for me in your heavenly kingdom, and have so graciously called me to be part of your eternal life. May I always respond to the call you give me to follow you, as you would have me do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.