To read: Revelation 19:9-10
New Revised Standard Version Bible,And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Anyone
who has struggled with the seating arrangements at a wedding or other formal event knows the difficulty of making sure everyone is seated in the "proper" place. Who gets put in that far corner of the ballroom? Does Aunt Hilda get along with cousin George? Will Grandmom be miffed if she's not at the head table? Avoiding hurt feelings and social gaffes can be a minefield through which you wish you had Miss Manners to guide you.
At the wedding referred to in this passage, though, there's no pecking order as to who is privileged to sit where. The Bridegroom himself has seen fit to draw all into relationship with an invitation to the feast: angels, prophets, servants, you, me - all those hungry to live in the good news of God's love for us shown through his Son. The seats are free, your place is assured, and the food and drink are abundant. Plus, no need to dust off the tux or dry clean the formal gown - come as you are! There's a seat waiting for you &
To pray:
Lord of the feast, we thank and praise you that we have a place at your table and a place in your heart. Keep us always aware of the joy and comfort that is ours as we are yours. In the name of the Bridegroom, our Savior. Amen.
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pa.