A Special Guest Will Be Present

A wedding is a happy and special event. What could make it more special than to have it honored by a special guest? That’s what happened to John and Frances Canning.  

John and Frances were planning their wedding – a civil service to be held at the Town Hall in Manchester, England. A few weeks before the wedding, however, the town hall staff notified the couple that a VIP would be visiting in another section of the Town Hall. This notification came as a courtesy to the two sweethearts. Since crowds of people, police, members of the press, and a security detail would also be present, they might disrupt the arrival of wedding guests. This is not something a bride usually looks forward to at her wedding. 

And who was this VIP who would be competing with their once-in-a-lifetime event? It was none other than Queen Elizabeth II – the UK’s longest reigning monarch, and Prince Philip.  

Because of this, John and Frances could have been angry over the intrusion. But instead they sent a lighthearted wedding invitation to Buckingham Palace, asking the Queen to join their celebration.  

Then, to their amazement, the Palace sent a reply. The Queen thanked them for their invitation and stated that she would change her itinerary for that day, in order to make time to greet them at their reception.   

And it all happened in March 2012. “The couple’s 40 guests stared in amazement as the Queen, Prince Philip, and dignitaries lined up to congratulate the newlyweds.” John and Frances stated, “The moment was like a dream.” 

This story reminded me of another, 2,000 years ago. It’s recorded in John 2:1-11. A poor couple in the town of Cana, in Galilee invited Jesus, His mother, and His disciples to their wedding. There the long-awaited Messiah, God Incarnate, took time from His momentous redemptive mission to attend the wedding and bless the couple. And it was fortuitous for the couple that they invited Him. You see, the couple was so poor that they had to be frugal in purchasing wedding supplies. As a result they ran out of wine during the wedding – a social catastrophe. And then, Jesus intervened by transforming 180 gallons of water into the best wine humans had ever tasted.  

Tragically, most of humanity views the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords as an intrusion on their lives. They hate having to share space in the “town hall” with Him. Instead of jumping at the opportunity to invite the Creator of the universe – who alone holds all its secrets and mysteries – into their lives, they ignore him.  

Think of it. The One before whom all of heaven, hell, and earth will one day bow, welcomes your invitation. Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, will gladly join you on your journey. He will work beside you at your job, help you with your daily tasks, comfort you in your sorrows, and forgive your every sin. This Jesus, the God of the universe, actually craves your company. He created you for Himself so that He might know you personally and love you eternally. Exclude Him, and your life will be empty, pointless, and conspicuously mediocre. Invite Him in, and your life takes on eternal significance and glorious fulfillment. 

For life – and for each and every day, invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your world. It’s actually His world and He’s willing to share it with you. Don’t ignore Him. Open the door and receive Him gladly. Just as He did at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus will perform the miraculous in your life. 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, it will be my greatest honor if You will come into my heart and life. Thank you that You consider me worth Your time and attention. Please come into my heart and make it Your throne. Come into my brokenness and mend it. Come into my challenges and help me overcome them. Come into my loneliness and satisfy me with Your friendship and love. Oh, Jesus, please save me, cleanse me, transform me, and make me fit for heaven with You. Amen.