In Matthew 22, we read about a royal wedding of the son of a certain king. I like to try and imagine what it might have been like as the couple joyfully prepare for the occasion. The best venue is located; speeches prepared; special music practiced; the finest chefs are ready to present a lovely banquet. The date draws nearer still but to their amazement the guests aren't coming! Invitations were sent, RSVP dates given, yet none confirmed!

The king was very angry and said to his servant "the wedding is ready, but they which were bidden are not worthy. Go therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage."

The call goes far and near. How many are invited? All! What a wonderful thing to be invited to this special wedding! You can read this story in Matthew 22:1-14. At the time of the wedding we read:

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?" - Matthew 22:11-12

You see, coming to the wedding of a great king was not just a casual occasion. It called for the best wedding clothes. To this man who had not proper attire the king said:

"Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few [are] chosen." - Matthew 22:14

Many were called, but how many were chosen? Few. And what must you wear to be chosen? Yes, a wedding garment. Without a wedding garment you would be cast out.

Friends, the Bible likens the time when Jesus is re-united with His people as a 'wedding'. Jesus being the bridegroom and His people the bride. In second Corinthians we see this:

"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ." - 2. Corinthians 11:2

So we see how the symbol of a chaste virgin is so very fitting to describe God's people who have been purified from selfishness and love of the world. Now in the book of Revelation we read about the time of this 'wedding':

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." - Revelation 19:7-9

Truly this most wonderful event is something to be glad and rejoice about! The time when the bride, God's people, are completely reunited with Christ, is a most glorious prospect. And you, dear reader, can be there. As in the story of Matthew 22, so here, the call has gone to everyone. Will you answer the invitation? Do you want to be there at the marriage supper of the Lamb, to rejoice with the saints, with angels and with God Himself?

Next week we'll see what it means to be among the "chosen", those that participate in this wonderful event, and about the wedding garment.

This quote gives away a bit of what we'll study next week, but it is such an encouraging one I couldn't wait till next week to share it!

"Oh, how happy will those be who have made themselves ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb, who are robed in the righteousness of Christ, and reflect His lovely image! They will have on the pure white linen which is the righteousness of the saints, and Christ will lead them by the side of living waters; God will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and they will have the life that runs parallel with the life of God." - Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places, pg. 285