By Reverend J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv
Matthew 22:14-14 NKJV
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus told a story comparing the kingdom of heaven with a king who had arranged and made preparations for his son’s wedding. He sent out his servants to remind his invited guests that the wedding festivities were beginning. Those who were chosen to attend took light of the invitation and went their way. When they didn’t show up, the king extended another invitation by sending other servants to again tell them that everything was ready. The reception these servants received was deplorable. They were spitefully treated, then they were killed. The king responded to the invitees despicable act by sending his armies to kill them and burn their city.
He then commissions another set of servants and tells them to go the highways and invite anyone they could find. They did and filled the banquet hall with many guests. Those who were once outcast and ignored are now invited guests, the chosen, the elected.
When your status changes from the ignored to the invited, you are considered special company. The expectations change because you have been set aside as a selected individual. More is expected from you because more has been given to you. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48 NKJV)
When you’re elected, it’s expected that you will function fully in the role in which you were chosen. All too often, we forget that there are things to do once in the company of the elected. So it was with one of those who had been called from the highways and found himself in the company of the elected. He had not taken the time to properly attire himself. This resulted in the master’s wrath. He had been called from the highway, but not chosen to stay in the company of the elect because he did not meet the expectations of the invitees.
New York City has an electoral contest going on for the Office of Public Advocate. Many are vying for the position, but only one will be elected — “called” — to that office. I hope this article reminds the candidates that “the called” are held to a higher level of accountability. Failure to live up to that expectation can result in a one-term run, or worse, a climatic conclusion to their first term. So, let me share some words of wisdom to the one who will be called (on February 26) and to each of us; “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (II Peter 1:10 NKJV). Always remember, many are called, but few are chosen.
God Bless +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at cash.me/$Mattersoffaith.
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