I was thinking about my wedding last night and I remembered something that made me sad. No, it wasn't the wedding itself but something that occurred a few weeks later. A woman who was invited to the wedding but didn't come came up to me and apologized for her absence. She said she wanted to come but couldn't afford a gift and she felt uncomfortable showing up without one.
My response to this woman was probably the same as one you would have given. I could have cared less about the gift, it was her presence I was hoping to see. In reality, I was disappointed for her. She let lies keep her from doing what she wanted to do. The lies that said, "Everyone will see that you didn't bring a gift" and "Your presence is not enough. You're not worthy without a gift." As a result of not going she missed out on lots of fun. There was dancing, great food, and an all around joyous atmosphere. I hated she didn't get to experience any of it.
After thinking about that for a moment, I had a terrible realization. What if there were people out there who wanted to be apart of the Great Wedding, the one we are all invited to, but keep themselves away simply because they think they have nothing worthy to bring. Wouldn't that be horrible!
I know there are some out there who would rather do their own thing so they aren't interested in attending, but what about those who want to come but have been fed lies that keep them away. Lies that say, "Everyone will judge your past" and "Your presence is not enough. You're not worthy without a gift."
They don't know the truth and the truth is there might be some who judge their past but the Bridegroom never would. Which leads into the second truth, He just wants the person not what they have to offer. He already knows the people He invited can't bring anything to the table. If we think we have something to give to God that justifies our wedding invitation we fool ourselves. Anything we bring He gives us. He knows we're not worthy, but He wants us anyway. Isn't He wonderful!
I hate knowing somebody might miss out on the Wedding feast because they thought they didn't have a gift. It breaks my heart to know what they'll be missing. While I can't find it in scripture, I'm sure there will be dancing, lots of dancing. And think of the food! There will be an all around joyous atmosphere that never ends. Don't you want everyone to show up!
So today as we spend the hours God has given us, let us keep our eyes open and sharp for anybody who might want to join the wedding party but doesn't feel worthy. If we find them, tell them they are still invited and then...ask them to go dancing.
