For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
This past weekend, I attended the wedding of my nephew and his bride. It was a lovely event and all the details were thoughtfully planned for the guests to feel welcomed and appreciated. They had an elegant table set for two awaiting the guests of honor. It was a beautiful day and a blessing to be a part of the celebration.
I love a good banquet and meal. A few decades ago, I worked as the campaign manager for a non-profit organization and one of my responsibilities was organizing their annual fundraising banquet. I was in charge of all the minute details from the guest list and invitations to the meal plan, speakers and seating chart. It was an overwhelming experience because the guest list usually averaged 1200 people and the facility was the size of a football field. By the end of the evening, I was completely exhausted. My boss would compliment me on the success of the event, but the evening fell short for me because I did not enjoy the guests.
Whether it is a table for two or a banquet of 1200, the event would not be complete without the guests. Decades later, I am still organizing “mini“ banquets or dinner parties at my house and struggling to enjoy my guests. The details should be handled ahead of the banquet and the guests should be the main focus of the event. This is crystal clear in Revelations. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the lamb. And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Rev. 19:9)
The marriage supper is the main event in Heaven. It’s like a continual feast or welcome banquet for all God’s people. They will be clothed in fine linen and their righteous deeds on display. The guests list is what the Lord is focused on – not the meal. The marriage supper is the celebration of God’s workmanship in the life of His people. The works of His people are the true masterpieces on display. This ‘being on display’ is not a showy, fake thing but a glory – a true representation of God’s glory. The display of His perfecting work shown throughout my life and yours – if you are on the guest list.
Everyone has a choice to accept the invitation to the marriage supper. It is the banquet of all banquets. To be the guest at the marriage supper of the lamb will be my greatest joy and ultimate destiny. God has already planned all the details and everyday is focused on the guest list. He wants everyone to be there – to be His guest.
Be MY Guest
True Masterpieces. On Display. Glory Feast.
Am I on the guest list? What works am I displaying now that God can celebrate?