City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, ‘Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and down-and-out you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.’ The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’ The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full!’”

Luke 14:21-23 (MSG)

“But when the king came in to see the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed [appropriately] in wedding clothes, and he said, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without wearing the wedding clothes [that were provided for you]?’ And the man was speechless and without excuse.”

Matthew 22:11-12 (AMP)

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

Reflection

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was invited to a ball held by the prince of the land. But those near her ripped her invitation and dress so she could not attend. The prince knew about the girl’s plight, and sent a fairy godmother to give the girl an invitation, a gown and slippers of glass…yes, it’s different than the story we all know, but what if? What if the prince knew what was happening and sent resources to help Cinderella attend the grand celebration? 

In this week’s parable, the invitation the master sends is Jesus’ invitation for us to accept Him and what He did. Jesus tells a very similar parable in Matthew 22:1-14 with a non-compliant guest, it’s like Cinderella going to the ball in rags and rejecting the fairy godmother’s (and the prince’s) gift of a beautiful gown. On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. But what do the wedding clothes represent? The new self. The king was upset the man only wanted a free meal and wasn’t the least bit interested in having a new life or in his host. God wants us to put off the old self and a new, godly self at His banquet. 

Application

God is inviting you to his grand banquet, and when you accept His Son and what He did, He will give you the attire for the event, a crown of beauty instead of ashes, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:3), a brand new godly self. Putting on a new self is like breaking into a new pair of shoes (not glass, it’s not pliable!), after a few walks around the block, they’ll fit like they were molded to your feet. Your new, godly look will turn heads towards our Father in Heaven, where you’ll live happily ever after. 

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, thank You so much for what You did for me on the cross. I accept Your invitation to Your grand feast and Your offer of a new, godly self. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You (Psalm 19:14). In Your name I pray, amen.