If one were offered dinner for two—at any price—to be eaten in any restaurant, anywhere in the world, where would the choice be? And what would be the cost?
Last year the New York Times proposing these questions was able to provide these answers. The place: Chez Denis in Paris. The cost: $4000.00.
It all began when a large American Corporation awarded the "meal ticket" to the donor of $300 (the largest donation) on a fund-raising program.
The winner took weeks to decide on the restaurant; and having considered famous eating places in Rome, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Copenhagen, Brussels and London, finally selected the Chez Denis in Paris.
The historic meal, which was to be the finest dinner in Europe, and money no obstacle, went in three services and comprised a series of thirty luxurious and exotic dishes—besides nine rare and distinguished wines, one of which was one hundred and forty years old.
To the question, "Was the $4000 meal perfect in all respects?" the answer was, "No." By so much do man's best efforts fail to satisfy!
May the above event make us think of an infinitely greater feast made by Another—and note the contrasts. This feast was comprehended in a parable spoken by the Lord Jesus and recorded in Matt. 22 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king which made a marriage for his son." Matt. 22:2.
The parable immediately commands our most intense interest when we realize that "the king" is none other than God—"the King eternal, invisible, the only wise God." 1 Tim. 1:17. "His Son," is, "Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:15. Surely on such an occasion all other feasts must fade into insignificance. At such a feast all must be divinely perfect and eternally satisfying. Think! It is to be God's feast to honor His dear Son—the One who "in all things must have the preeminence." Col. 1:18.
And who, today and now, are invited to this feast of all feasts? Read carefully His command to His servants who convey the invitation:
“Go ye therefore into the highways and as many as ye shall find bid to the marriage.
“So the servants went out into the highways and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests." Matt. 22:9, 10.
Another has commented: "Who could doubt his welcome: for in the world mankind is either ‘good’ or 'bad.' But God's word concludes all in unbelief—"there is none that doeth good" (Rom. 3:10,11,12.) And to all such God sends this invitation: "All things are ready; come unto the marriage.”
The now famous dinner at the Chez Denis was prepared for only two. Furthermore, it was really a reward for a $300 donation. And the two guests had to travel from New York to Paris to be there. God's feast, on the other hand, is prepared for all. It is free to all. And it is for all who accept God's gracious invitation. And again, Christ is coming personally to take all who accept the invitation to heaven to enjoy it. And all this is to be had free, "without money and without price" (Isa. 55). Right well has God's feast been described "the poor man's dinner!”
The bridal hall is filling
for the feast;
Pass in, pass in, and be
the Bridegroom's guest.
Room, room, still room!
O, enter, enter now!