And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Revelation 19:9
When Prince Charles and his then wife Diana paid a visit to Saint John shortly after their marriage, several of us were screened so that we could receive accreditations so that we could attend and provide coverage of the various events associated with the royal visit. We were all checked out by the police, and were required to be approved by a committee that had organized the visit. If we were approved, we received special cards that entitled us to attend the various events that were scheduled. But there was one event that every one of the reporters wanted to attend, but very few would be do so. That was a huge dinner and ball that was to be a special occasion in honour of the royal couple. Because of the limited space available, only a half dozen members of the media were to be allowed to attend. We all submitted our applications to attend, and we waited for the committee to make its selections. I was not selected. Afterwards, I read about the event in the accounts that other reporters provided, about the fancy clothing, the elaborate meal, the speeches, and other aspects of that special event. And I spoke with some of the reporters who were privileged to attend. But reading about it was certainly nothing like actually being there. In the same way, reading about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is nothing like attending that great event.
Blessed are they which are called… these words tell us that it is a joyful thing to be called to that great Supper, and to respond to the call. The Gospel message includes this great invitation. Most people fail to understand the greatness of the privilege that God is extending, and they fail to respond to the Gospel message. Even we who have responded often fail to allow the glorious anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to lift our souls in gratitude and hope as we should. Watch the Christians around you and note that those who are the happiest are those who are the most occupied with that great event.
The joy of anticipation that we enjoy now will be as nothing compared to the reality of attending the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. We will forget everything of earth, even the good things, when we enter that great banquet hall and join with the redeemed of all ages in celebration. We can only imagine what that atmosphere will be like, or speculate as to the glory of that place. The very meal will exceed anything we have known here on earth. The company will be thrilling to enjoy, as will the wondrous singing of praise and worship, as we gaze upon our dear Bridegroom’s face. It does our hearts good just to contemplate it now, but it will thrill our souls forever when we are there.
Yes, we have been called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What could possibly make us any more happy than that? -Jim MacIntosh