What can a poor beggar contribute to the banquet of the King? A few crumbs, some stolen bread, a patched up jacket? Nothing worth anything in the eyes of royalty. Nothing of any eternal value to offer, just filty rags at best. Yet his place is set and the invitation given. Anything good will have to be supplied by the King Himself.
Too proud to accept only hand-outs, the beggar gathers items seeming good in his eyes. "I'll come", he assures, "yet you must accept tokens of my righteousness. Other bums ignore, but I will accept your call." The beggar arrives at the gate with bags of goods to present the King. "These should validate my invitation", the beggar sings, as he rings the bell of the King of Kings.
The door opens wide as the Master welcomes the lowly one. But with one glimpse of the Holy One and the splendor of his wealth, the beggar drops to his knees in shame. "What are these that you have brought?" says the King. "These cannot come inside. All you need must be supplied."
There is none that doeth good, no, not one, he says. But I have called you, redeemed you and given you life. You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. All that the Father has have I given you. You were dead in trespasses and sin, but now you are alive because of the cross of Christ.
Anything "good" we see is not of ourselves, but the gift of God. He gives his righteousness while we have none. What about all the good things we've done? If they are good, then we have received them from the hand of God Himself. We can do nothing or bring anything good of ourselves. Anything good has had to be supplied!
This brings new meaning to Thanksgiving. We have nothing to be grateful for which we have done! All that we have has been supplied!
"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect." John Owens
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:3
