Two Suppers

Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come gather together for the great supper of God,... Revelation 19:17

Two suppers--one for the saints, one for the vultures.

God can sure be ironic. In one case he sets a table for us. In another the wicked are the food. For those who believe that God only loves--that people are all alike and God does not punish the wicked--let me say that the subjects of these suppers were to be invited from the beginning of time. The invitations were already written before the world was made.

I once taught a little class in which a man said that the vultures in Israel were laying extra eggs for the earthly feast. At one time this was a popular myth distributed, no doubt, to discredit believers. I asked who in Israel has the job of counting vulture eggs? Is there a job description of "vulture egg census taker"? He became very angry with me because I would not accept such an idea.

When the time comes, I am sure there will be no lack of vultures. For the fate of the evil has been set long ago, just as God has prepared a feast for those who love Him.

But there is another supper I think of that is not future. It is available now, to all believers. It is so striking that it is offered, not to a church, but to anyone who invites Jesus in. I call it a "church of one". No music. No preachers. Just Jesus and you.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20, NIV