Imagine Heaven Sample

Come to the banquet
By Rev. Mark Bartsch, Chaplain

In 2020, many wedding ceremonies took place, but due to lockdowns, COVID restrictions, and social distancing, the weddings were much different than first planned.  

• In one case, the bride and the groom, the maid of honor and the best man, the parents of the couple, and the pastor were the only people present at the wedding. 
• In another situation, a mother told me this past summer that her daughter was getting married. The guest list had included 200 people. Now, there would be only 20 attending the wedding. 
• The wedding ceremonies are happening, but many wedding receptions are being postponed until sometime next year.

Many people wanted to attend these weddings, but health regulations and guidelines kept them from doing so. Sometimes things just don’t work out as we would like them to. God could say that also. 

Invitation after invitation was sent out to attend this wedding for the king’s son. The king sent out his servants to those who had been invited and urged them to come, but they refused to come. He sent out more servants and they said, “'Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'” But they paid no attention. One went to his field; another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.”  (Matthew 22: 5, 6). In response, the king killed those who had been invited.

The kingdom of heaven is the wedding banquet. “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Not everyone who is invited to the kingdom of heaven will come. They reject the Word of God. In their unbelief, they turn away from the Lord and his gracious invitation. 

Come to the banquet!  You and I are so thankful that we have been invited to the kingdom of heaven, and by faith, we graciously accept that invitation. 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank you for inviting us to your wedding banquet. You have given us the gift of faith to accept your invitation. In faith, we promise to remain faithful to you until we take our place at this heavenly banquet. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.