Forcing the Bridegroom from the Banqueting Table

20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

9 "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 the true words of God.'"

Revelations 3:20; 19:9

The church of Laodicea was fat. Material wealth left them gorged with lofty self-estimation. And yet, the true high and lofty King Jesus declared they were "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Rev. 3:17). In other words, they were spiritually starving and lukewarm (vs. 16). They were warmed by the promise of sitting upon a throne (vs. 21) instead of heated by a Christ-satiated life.

Genesis describes another feast gone wrong. In Eden, God personally served Adam and Eve at his table. However, when sin entered creation, their nakedness was exposed, their seats forfeited with God, and food and clothing would only come by death. But God promises and provides a final feast to end spiritual world hunger in his son, the Bread of Life.

Jesus echoes this remedy for starving depravity in Revelation 3; "buy from me gold refined by fire...white garments [so that] your nakedness may not be seen" (vs. 18). When we fill ourselves with Jesus Christ alone, we prove the genuineness of our faith because it withstands the fire (I Pet. 1:7). Similarly, Jesus provides a covering for our exposed shame by his nakedness and shed blood on the cross. Hence, "it was granted her [the bride] to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure' (Rev. 19:8). Our bridegroom, Jesus, provides the wedding clothes, but if we neglect to feast at his table, we are likewise left poor, blind, and embarrassingly exposed on that day. Certainly not ideal for a bride!

Likewise, Jesus offers a bountiful feast for his bride, yet many in the church today have ruined their appetite with unhealthy food. Saints sipping milky truths and nibbling on self-focused worship have left the dinner table, forcing the bridegroom outside. For each of these malnourished souls, Jesus "stands at the door and knocks," and if the door is opened, he promises a festal dining experience (Rev. 3:20). The bridegroom calls us to intimate fellowship now in preparation for the final feast to come where spiritual hunger ceases and bridal garments are adorned with his glory.

Over 2,000 years ago, God sent a save-the-date card to this promised wedding in the form of a baby. The Son of God asks us to drink the cup of salvation he provided with his blood, eat his body that was broken for our redemption, and be invited, not as guests, but as the radiant bride of Christ to the marriage supper of the Lamb. At this banquet, we will feast from the tree of life, from which streams living water, perpetual fruit, and leaves to heal the nations. Like the tree of life in Eden, this tree promises spiritual satisfaction forever (Rev. 22).

Friend, are you feasting on Christ alone? Is Jesus behind closed doors while you celebrate your temporary throne? He stands at the door and knocks, desiring to dine with you and longing to lavishly robe you in his righteousness today. Spiritual hunger and thirst will cease when we see him face to face. You are invited to open the door to a feast, for "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev. 19:9).

Father, in Christ, you covered my sin and shame. You've invited me to dine at your table as a guest of honor - your bride. Though my earthly relationships may fail me, you never will. Help me to live for the coming day when I will be reunited with you completely and perfectly. As your promised bride, help me to walk in purity and devotion as I wait for your holy feast at the end of the age. Amen.