There is a wedding to be given on that great day
The awesome majesty of God will be on full display
A banquet and fine wine prepared for all who are friends
The bride arrayed in glory with a beauty that transcends
This invitation is for all, what is your reply?
Your actions will determine where the state of your heart lies
Those who are wise will arise, and be prepared and ready
The oil in their lamps will be burning bright and steady
The Lord said He is coming for the passionate and pure
On the day of His arrival, who can then endure?
Only those who are waiting, in a spotless gown
Many are the called, so few try for the crown
Debbie Furey
March 8, 2021
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Matthew 22:14 - “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:1-14
Matthew 25:1-13
2 Peter 3:14-18
Ephesians 5:25-27
The crown and the prize Paul are talking about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is not salvation because that cannot be earned, but comes by faith. The crown and the prize are for those who contend for it–for those who try and win the race.
The ones who have the right to sit on the throne with Jesus in Revelation 3:14-22 is not for the whole church of Laodicea, but it is for the ones in the church who overcome.
Crowns are given to victors, those who win the race out of many. There are many who will suffer loss of reward when our works are brought before God on that “Day” according to 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
There are many Christians who are foolish, who think good intentions and halfhearted deeds are enough, but the wise will follow the Spirit no matter what it costs them.