The Wedding Feast
Pitts Evans
I need to back up and tell you one more story that happened the day Mark died. Before I arrived, his mother and her sister were sitting in the hospital room when he suddenly opened his eyes and pointed his finger at something only he could see. He astounded his mother and his aunt by asking, “Who are all those people and why are they standing around that big table covered with food?”
He went on to describe a panoramic scene of a great banquet that was about to take place in his hospital room, with all the guests waiting for him to join them. In the natural realm, he pointed to a chair with a coat hanging on it as he described the otherworldly images only he could see. At the time, his mother didn’t know he was only hours away from death, so she thought him delirious. They told me that story right after his death, later that same day. Then we realized that he had been viewing a feast in eternity that the Lord had prepared for him.
As they described what Mark had seen, it brought to mind a line from King David’s Twenty-third Psalm, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” Perhaps, Mark remembered those words that had often be read to him and caught a glimpse of the table God had prepared for him in eternity? He had briefly described a great banquet table, covered with lavish food of every type, surrounded by well dressed, happy people waiting for him to join them. Perhaps, even while his “enemies“, (cancer and death) were still in Mark’s “presence” on this earth, the Lord allowed him to see what he was really about to victoriously experience?
There’s a second scripture that later came to mind. The Bible says that a wedding feast will be held for JESUS and those who love Him. “And the angel said, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9, New Living Translation) Our earthly lives in Christ will be celebrated at “the wedding feast of the Lamb.” This great banquet is portrayed in Scripture as the consummation of our relationship with JESUS on earth as Christians.
Perhaps, Mark was seeing “the Wedding Feast of the Lamb?” Possibly, this Wedding Feast speaks of a grand celebration banquet with the Lord and our loved ones when we die? Maybe it represents the start of our eternal future as an endless celebration with Christ? The true nature of this Wedding Feast is known only to the Lord, but the primary objective is our victorious union with Jesus, the Lamb of God. Perhaps, God let Mark peer briefly beyond the veil, where no demon of cancer or angel of death could keep him from seeing it. God knows what Mark actually saw, but I’m certain he and all of my loved ones in Christ, will be at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.
When my young friend died from cancer, it felt like total defeat. Like Mark, each of us will one day pass from this life to the next. Each of us has been invited to the “wedding feast of the Lamb.” The Bible says, “Blessed are those who are invited.” Jesus will come for his Bride and the wedding party will go with Him to His Father’s House. They will gather there along with the redeemed of all ages. The doors will be shut forever to those who were not born again. Nobody else will be allowed to enter and nothing will disturb the proceedings as the ceremony begins and the Lord Jesus is joined to the Church as His Bride. Mark accepted the Lord’s invitation at a very young age. He lived for the Lord and when he reached the end of his race, he went to celebrate with Jesus. I have the picture of him and Jeff by my desk to remind me that life is short and it’s appointed once for every man to die. As I look at the picture and see Mark’s radiant young face, I remember that my days are numbered and they need to count for something.
Maybe you’ve lived for years with the pain of losing a loved one? JESUS was not the problem. JESUS is the only solution. At his funeral, Mark’s uncle said, “Everybody knew the boy loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. I’m sure that he is with Jesus right now, but how about you?” So now I ask, “How about you?” Friend, that is the most important question you will ever be asked. Mark knew JESUS, and though his 12 years on earth were quickly past, he lives on in the Kingdom of Heaven with Him. He is with your loved ones in Heaven right now. Do you know Jesus like Mark did? If you don’t, please ask JESUS to forgive your sins and save you right now.
The Bible tells us that every person on earth has sinned. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) And it goes on to say that the cost of sin is death, “For the wages of sin is death.” (Rom 6:23a.) God has extended amnesty for the punishment from your sins and offered eternal life through JESUS Christ; “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b.) Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This means we must be born again through faith in Jesus, to escape the consequences of our sins and to enter the Kingdom of God.
JESUS loves you and He wants you to be with Him forever. Pray this prayer or ask God to forgive you and save you in your own words.
PRAYER: Lord, I’m sorry for blaming You over the death of my loved ones. Thank You for keeping them safe in my future. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and I believe He died for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me a new life. I want to be “born again.” Grant me citizenship in Your Kingdom of Heaven and please help me to live for JESUS. I ask You to touch me and change my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.