December 4, 2009

December 4, 2009
Psalm 16, 17; Amos 5:1-17; Jude 1-16; Matt. 22:1-14

The Lord promises the destruction of the nation. They have perverted justice and have accumulated wealth and not cared for the poor among them. Worse still, they have not sought the Lord. Fat and happy is usually our downfall. When Jesus said it was more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle He was revealing keen insight into human nature. Rare is the person who can have the things of earth and not lose things eternal. The prophet sees that their religious observances are not the problem but the condition of their hearts. This isn’t about religion, it’s about relationship, it is about loving God and loving your neighbor. This passage implores them to both.

Jesus speaks of losing your place at the table from disrespect. The king had invited them long in advance but when the day came they couldn’t be bothered to come to the wedding feast of the son. The king executed judgment against those who treated him with disdain and compelled others to come to fill the banquet. The one who is singled out here could have worn the wedding garment but apparently refused it when offered and came anyway. The “scandal of particularity” in theology says that there is but one way to the Father and that is Jesus. We must accept the offer of being clothed with Christ in order to enter the kingdom.

Jude says that what was promised in the prophets has now been accomplished. The Lord did as He said He would. Jude also speaks of the ones like the character in Jesus’ parable who would not wear the wedding robe, those among them who refuse the truth and so Jude calls his readers to contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints. It is our role to present a pure, spotless bride. We contend for the faith because it is the only way and it is our desire that no one be left out or cast out of the banquet. Truth matters and it matters ultimately to everyone, it is out of love for all that we contend for the faith, lest no one be deceived to eternal judgment. In that way, we have the role of prophet, warning the world of what is to come and that truth matters.