“Put On Thy Strength, O Zion—Excerpts,” For the Strength of Youth, Nov. 2022.
Put On Thy Strength, O Zion
Excerpts
I earnestly pray that the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we now consider the importance of the parable of the royal marriage feast. …
As the king entered the wedding hall, he surveyed the audience and immediately noticed that one conspicuous guest was not wearing a wedding garment. The man was brought forward, and the king asked, “Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless” [Matthew 22:12]. …
… The man’s refusal to wear the wedding garment exemplified blatant disrespect for both the king and his son. He did not simply lack a wedding garment; rather, he chose not to wear one. … The king’s reaction was swift and decisive: “Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 22:13].
… His lack of proper dress revealed his inner rebellion against the king and his instructions.
The parable then concludes with this penetrating scripture: “For many are called, but few are chosen” [Matthew 22:14].
… God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Instead, our hearts, our desires, our honoring of sacred gospel covenants and ordinances, our obedience to the commandments, and, most importantly, the Savior’s redeeming grace and mercy determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen. …
As we appropriately seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear, I promise that we will be blessed with the capacity and judgment to strengthen our covenant connection with the living Lord. We also will receive the power of godliness in our lives—and ultimately be both called to and chosen for the Lord’s feast.