Many are called, Few are chosen

14“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) 

Thoughts: This is taken from the parable of the wedding banquet.  Many are invited to come to the great wedding feast in heaven.  However, not many respond with a yes.  They have other things to do.  The chosen respond with a yes.  The call of God goes to everyone.  Some stop at the reading of these verses of scripture.  For example John 3 says, "for God so loved the world."  But often we don't keep reading.  "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."  It is possible to reject the light.  These verses do not imply (as some who value wishful thinking over God's Word have said) that "we get another chance some time after we die."  The Bible speaks of our chance as being in the here and now.  We have a choice.  God invites everyone at some time in life. He died for everyone.  But it is effectual only for those who respond.  The other day at a children's party I offered free ice cream.  But not all children took it.  God does His part in the offer.  That is common grace- offered to all people.  But the good news doesn't stop there.  God also goes out and compels people to come in.  The scripture says this too.  "No one comes to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" (Jn. 6:44).  God draws us in.  He opens our blind eyes.  He enables us to say yes even when we reject Him.  These are the few who are chosen.  Some demand why a good God wouldn't choose everyone. This very question blames God for our sin, trying to make God out to be the bad guy.  Why didn't I make everyone eat ice cream at the children's party.  God does His job- and does it well.  

Prayer: Lord, it is an awesome responsibility to respond to your great love.  Help me to do just that.