The Late-Comer to the Party

 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. ~ Matthew 25:10-13

Let's admit it, we hate those people who come late to the party.  We slave all day to prepare our homes for our guests.  There is always one person who shows up late, expecting to be waited on long after everything has been put away.

It is no different at the big party Jesus is preparing for us.  Inevitably, there will be one person who will crash the party at the last minute.  The rest of us shrug our shoulders.  We see all the attention that this person is getting.  The finest wine is pulled out from the secret wine cooler and this late guest gets all the attention.

What about the rest of us?  We always show up on time, follow the rules and never let down the host.  We have to give up our best seat at the table for this person?  What's up?

Jesus knows we have a seat at His table.  We are no less important to Him than the guest who finally decides to join the party.  He is only showing us how important all of us are to Him.  Maybe you are the lost sheep, the one who declined invitation after invitation to come to the party?  When you decide to join the party, all of Heaven rejoices.  You are that important.  The rest of us who have been on His team all our lives need to understand this.  Go ahead, let the party host revel in the moment.  The one who was lost is now found.  It is worth celebrating with the finest food and drink.