Guest or Party Crasher

Recently while studying in 2 Corinthians I was reminded of the passage regarding the wedding feast. Several things stood out to me regarding this passage. One was that when the original guest refused to show up that the servants were sent into the highways and bi-ways. Second was the guest who refused to put on the wedding garments who was then bound hand and foot and cast out into outer darkness. I have been in the Old Testament for several weeks as of late and only recently returned to the New during my Bible studies and the one thing that I have been seeing has been the similarities between God's chosen people (Israel) and those grafted in (us). Once hungry for the word of God and eager to partake in the promises we now become as they, following traditions and religion rather than obeying the commands of God. As the Pharisees we put on the cloak of righteousness all the while covering the sin that we proudly display to those in the world. As events in the world begin to happen we see not that these are signs of God but we cry out woe is me and yet continue in our own ways instead of repenting and turning back to Him. Lately my pastor and I have seen more salvation's coming from outside the church rather than in it. We have seen lives being changed, while those in the building are refusing to budge. Have we now become the invited guest who refuse to show up? With the stepping down of Billy Graham, who once led many great evangelistic meetings, who do we have taking his place? While we still have evangelist out there we see more of those focusing on smaller groups. They are creating disciples to go out rather than reaching the masses that were once reached by God through Billy Graham. I am not saying that this is a bad thing only that there is a trend happening here that we need to recognize. We need to recognize the time and repent to be found a good and faithful steward.

The Pharisee's were worried about the income of the temple when many turned to Christ and they began persecuting those new believers. Today we are in an economic crisis as well as a moral crisis and we must look at what is more important. God tells us that if His people who are called by His name would humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Choosing economics over morals will not heal our land and before you claim that both candidates have morals you must look at how they consistently vote. As in the Old Testament when God gave the children what they wanted in the form of King Saul they were then at the mercy of the morals of their king. From that moment on Israel was know by the type of king they had and eventually they were sent into captivity because they refused to repent and turn to God. We do this in the church as well. When we have a man who preaches the word of God and steps on our toes we either leave or get enough people on our side to remove the man and once we remove the man God had for us He gives us what we want and we end up with a dead church but to us that's okay because we like the way we are living. We enjoy being told that we are good people and our works are good because look at what we are doing for these poor unfortunate lost people and just for good measures we will allow a few of them to come to our church to remind us how loving we are. It is just that we will not invite any of them into our homes nor will we allow our children to date them because they are dirty and beneath us. We then stand there with our heads lifted up and pray saying Lord at least I am not like the Pharisees, look we allow these poor wretched people into our church and the Pharisees wouldn't allow them in the temple we help them out from time to time but it is not our fault they can't keep a job nor is it our fault they can't find work. You know Lord if it were me I'd be working two or three jobs doing whatever it takes. When it is all over and done with they pat themselves on the back and go there way. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians Chapter 4;

2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2Co 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

If our examples are anything less than this I believe we need to examine ourselves. Yet we are told that the end will not come unless there is a falling away first. I believe that this is happening even more now than ever before. The other thing we need to look at is the one at the wedding feast who refused to wear the wedding garment. As you think about that, think how many may be left sitting in the pews if Jesus returned on Sunday?