Have you ever been to a black-tie banquet? I have but only once. It was quite an elegant evening. Dave in his tux, me in a gown. Very exciting!
That’s the image that came to mind this morning as I was reading in the Psalms.
“God’s Love Means More than Life
1 You are my God. I worship you.
In my heart, I long for you,
as I would long for a stream
in a scorching desert.
2 I have seen your power
and your glory
in the place of worship.
3 Your love means more
than life to me,
and I praise you.
4 As long as I live,
I will pray to you.
5 I will sing joyful praises
and be filled with excitement
like a guest at a banquet.
6 I think about you, God,
before I go to sleep,
and my thoughts turn to you
during the night.
7 You have helped me,
and I sing happy songs
in the shadow of your wings.
8 I stay close to you,
and your powerful arm
supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV
” filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.” I remember the anticipation of going to such a prestigious event. We were greeted at the door and ushered to our table. There was entertainment, delicious food and dancing.
But none of that compares with the joy and excitement of spending time in the Lord’s presence. King David knew what it was like to be honored and he lived an enviable lifestyle but what brought him the most joy was knowing he was loved by God and welcomed by Him.
It doesn’t matter our social, economic, or educational background; each one of us are welcomed at the Lord’s banquet.
“ Once again Jesus used stories to teach the people: 2 The kingdom of heaven is like what happened when a king gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 The king sent some servants to tell the invited guests to come to the banquet, but the guests refused…8 Then he said to the servants, “It is time for the wedding banquet, and the invited guests don’t deserve to come. 9 Go out to the street corners and tell everyone you meet to come to the banquet.” 10 They went out on the streets and brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike. And the banquet room was filled with guests.” Matthew 22:1-10 CEV
We are part of the everyone who has been invited in. Not only does the Father invite us but He clothes us as well.
“The Lord makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 ERV
Join me at the banquet. The table is set, all is in order. Our attire is custom made; we’ve been invited to the Father’s black-tie affair.