Many are called but few are chosen.

Mt. 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

This verse was the conclusion of a parable that Jesus taught where He was comparing the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. Even with an invitation, the guests refused to come. In fact, "They paid no attention." How heart-breaking is that! Why would they respond like this? It says that one man had a farm to take care of and another a business. They were wrapped up in this world's priorities. Still another group seized the servants of the master, abusing them and eventually killing them. People today still respond to the gospel in a similar way. Many people are involved in their jobs, possessions, status, lifestyle, etc., and others outrightly hostile to the claims of Christ. Everything is more important than Jesus. They don't want to be bothered because the pride of life completely controls them. Sadly, in many parts of the world, the messenger of Jesus is met with hostility, abuse and even death.

But the king in the parable did not stop there. He sent out his servants into the main roads to invite guests whether they were good or bad. From outward appearance , the preceding group of people would have seemed more likely candidates. They were probably good, moral, well-to-do people, people who were educated and intelligent. In contrast, these ' road' people were poor with nothing to offer. Why would the king want them? That is the point! They had nothing! The king does not want anything that people think they have to offer, instead He wants us to come admitting our need and accepting his garment. Still in this second group there was one man not clothed in a wedding garment. The king had only one response: bind and cast him into outer darkness. The king's requirement was that everyone at the feast be clothed in a proper wedding garment.

The king called many, but only a few were chosen, only those who were clothed in the wedding garments, that is those who were clothed in the righteouness of Jesus and washed by His blood. Certainly, from this parable I can see that all people were invited, and the people had to make a choice to come or not. God does wish "that any should persih, but that all should reach repentance." But at the same time, God has to give the wedding garment to each one in order for them to attend the wedding feast. Salvation is a work of grace from a sovereign God. I wonder about that wedding guest who was not in the wedding garment. Did he know that his clothes were not right? Did he think that his good works would be enough, or did the entire situation take him by surprise? How strong is the will of man! It is amazing that we can decieve even ourselves.

Father,

Put within me a strong desire to share your gospel with others. I confess that I have judged on outward appearance. In essence, I have shared with those that I thought would be good candidates. But I see now that I need to trust You and let You guide me to those You have chosen, whether they are good or bad. I thank You for inviting me to Your feast and cleansing me in the blood of Jesus so that I could be clothed in His righteousness.

In Jesus name,

Anen