Sermon Central
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Make Your Reservation
Contributed by Thomas Cash on Jan 29, 2013 (message contributor)
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION
Is your name written in the book of life?
Ruthanna Metzgar, a professional singer, tells a story that illustrates the importance of having our names written in the book of life. Several years ago, she was asked to sing at the wedding of a very wealthy man. According to the invitation, the reception would be held on the top two floors of Seattle's Columbia Tower, the Northwest's tallest skyscraper. She and her husband, Roy, were excited about attending.
At the reception, waiters in tuxedos offered luscious hors d'oevres and fancy foods. The bride and groom approached a beautiful glass and brass staircase that led to the top floor. Someone ceremoniously cut a satin ribbon draped across the bottom of the stairs. They announced the wedding feast was about to begin. Bride and groom ascended the stairs, followed by their guests.
At the top of the stairs, a maitre d' with a bound book greeted the guests outside the doors. "May I have your name please?"
"I am Ruthanna Metzgar and this is my husband, Roy."
He searched the M's. "I'm not finding it, would you spell it please?"
Ruthanna spelled her name slowly. After searching the book, the maitre d' looked up and said, I'm sorry, but your name isn't here."
"There must be some mistake," Ruthanna replied. "I am the singer. I sang for this wedding ceremony."
The gentleman answered, "It doesn't matter who you are or what you did. Without your name in the book you cannot attend the banquet."
He motioned to a waiter and said, "Show these people to the service elevator, please."
The Metzgars followed the waiter past the beautifully dedorated tables laden with shrimp, whole smoked salmon and magnificent carved ice sculptures. Adjacent to the banquet area, an orchestra was prepared to perform, the musicians all dressed in dazzling white tuxedos. The waiter led Ruthanna and Roy to the service elevator, ushered them in, and pushed G for the parking garage.
After locating their car and driving several miles in silence, Roy reached over and put his hand on Ruthanna's arm. "Sweetheart, what happened?"
"When the invitation arrived, I was busy," Ruthanna replied. "I never bothered to RSVP. Besides, I was the singer. Surely, I could go the reception without returning the RSVP."
Ruthanna started to cry. -- not only because she had missed the most lavish banquet she'd ever been invited to, but also because she happened to get a small taste of what it will be like someday for people as they stand before Christ and find their names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
For heaven's sake, have you made your reservation?
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