“And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?” Matthew 22:12
Recently I had a sleepless night when I found myself waking up several times in night because of crazy dreams. One of the dreams that keep me awake related to this mornings scripture reading, Matthew 22:1-22. In my dream, I was asked to preach at a mega church. I was so excited about the opportunity. This church is a great church with a historic witness for Christ. When I got to this church, I suddenly realized I was wearing jeans and a polo shirt. Now there is nothing wrong with jeans and a polo shirt. But in this historic church no one had every preached without a coat and tie. I found myself scrambling to find a suit, but to no avail. Finally I threw myself on the mercy of the pastor who said, “I am sorry you cannot preach today.” In this moment of rejection I woke up with a deep sadness until I realized this was but a dream.
This mornings scripture reading is not a dream, and there is great sadness. Matthew 22 continues to account for us the story of Jesus discussion concerning the Kingdom of God. Several things stand out in the text: Notice those who reject the kingdom, Vs: 5-7. These people make excuses for why they refuse Christ invitation to come. These same people face the eternal flames of hell. They had an opportunity to respond but in their rejection they were judged because they refused the only remedy for their sin.
Notice those who are rejected by the King, Vs: 8-12. These Jewish leaders and their followers are deemed not worthy to receive the Kingdom of God. Still there are others who want the kingdom, but they want it on their own terms. They are not clothed in the “Righteousness of God.”
Notice those who are received by the King, Vs: 13-14. These are the ones who are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Such a person realizes they have been chosen by God, called by God, cleansed by God, and clothed in His righteousness.
This morning I realize I can rest in complete assurance that I will be accepted in heaven because I have his righteousness and not my own. The fact is, I could never be accepted before God based upon my works, Psalm 118:20.
This morning I offered to God this prayer, “Lord, I thank you for choosing, calling, and cleansing me by your will. I praise you for the robes of righteousness I have because of Christ. Some day I will be able to enter heaven because of your invitation and your clothing. This day, help me to share this good news with all I meet. I pray for all those serving on foreign fields, that they may stand strong robed in your righteousness. May many people ask them about their spiritual garments this very day.”
For further study, I encourage you to read Revelation 3:18, Revelation 19, and Zechariah 3:3-5. Also a wonderful resource is A.W. Tozer’s book, “The knowledge of the holy.”