You’re Invited to the Wedding
“Hi Debbie, well, here’s another hat I wear…”
and so continued an email with an invitation to attend the Christian Inaugural Gala in Washington D.C. the evening prior to the Inauguration.
Joe Battaglia, who was on the Host Committee, explained in his email that regardless of one’s personal preference for the candidates, Scripture makes it clear that we should pray for those in authority. And so, my husband and I went. We had no idea what to expect. What we experienced surpassed our expectations.
The invitation to the Inaugural Gala reminded me of the greatest invitation given – the invitation to the marriage feast of the Lamb.
An Event is Planned
If the host committed hadn’t had in their heart to gather believers to pray for our nation and president, then the evening would not have occurred. But, they had it in their hearts.
Our Heavenly Father has in His heart to gather us to attend a heavenly marriage feast. Revelation 19:7, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb (Jesus) has come and His bride (the church) has made herself ready.”
An Invitation is Sent
In Matthew 22, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast and called those who had been invited to attend. Jesus explained in John 6:38 that He had “come down from heaven,” and in Luke 19:10 for what reason – to seek and to save us.
An RSVP of Yes or No is Given
My husband and I pondered how to respond to the invitation we received. There were a lot of unknowns. The only person we knew who would be there was Joe. The thought of massive crowds and possible danger surrounding the Inauguration caused us to hesitate. But, we felt in our hearts we were to go. We responded, “Yes” to the invitation.
In Jesus’s parable, many who were invited by the King to attend the wedding feast replied, “No.” Why? They didn’t pay attention. They went their way to their businesses. They didn’t value the invitation.
Certain Attire is Required
“Black tie,” was clearly stated on the invitation to the Christian Inaugural Gala. That meant Keith had to wear a tux and I had to wear a ball gown. Nothing else would do. If we wanted to attend, then we had to be dressed in proper attire. If you’re heading somewhere like a wedding where proper attire is needed, you could look into something like the Winnie Couture charlotte location for some inspiring looks.
In Jesus’s parable, He told of a man who came to the wedding feast who was not dressed in wedding clothes. He was not allowed to remain. Now in case we might jump to the wrong conclusion, we must remember that not only does God extend the invitation to heaven, He also provides the righteous clothing.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” Revelation 19:7-9
It’ll Be Beyond Our Imagination
Keith and I had an unbelievable time. It was incredibly beautiful. We had “Christ” in common with each person we met. Getting to know Christians from all walks of life and hearing their stories was such fun and remarkable. The musicians, speakers, and prayers were…divine. And, did I mention the meal? It was one of the best we’ve had.
God in Christ has extended to each of us an invitation to the marriage feast of His Son and to be dressed in His righteousness. How have you responded to His invitation?
Heavenly Father, the wedding You invite us to is beyond our imagination. May we each hurriedly reply, “Yes!“