In the Marx Brothers’ movie, Horse Feathers, the password to get in to a club, is Swordfish. Without passwords or codes, one can’t get in to certain places. One club, I read about, boasted that it was the most exclusive club around. It then said, “Everyone’s welcome!” That’s not exclusivity! A code or password is used to keep members in, and non-members, or below-par folks out.
People tend to do that a lot. We tend to welcome others with shared beliefs, influential status, similar race, etc. into our circles. Universities have been doing it for decades, as have some churches as well. Ever felt left out? People near you invited to some place but you weren’t? Maybe you got dressed to go and then were told “Sorry Charlie”? Did you feel rejected and unwanted? I’m sure your feelings were hurt.
I remember years before I married, a young and poor kid at our church who was so happy to be present at a wedding of two people who grew up with. He dressed his best and enjoyed the ceremony, but when it came time to go to the reception, we all had table tickets for, what at the time, some 44 years ago, was considered expensive at $14 a head, but he never received such a ticket, ‘cause he wasn’t invited. We were all so sad, and he said something like, “Oh well, I guess I’ll just go back home and eat whatever…”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day, were no different. Anyone not dressing like them, praying in public like them, keeping the added commandments like them, were unworthy of belonging within their cliques. Jesus, who gave the law, knew, and kept it, didn’t jive with any of their hypocrisies. He came to undo their exclusivities. He didn’t know their “Swordfish” code, and frankly, didn’t want to! He was therefore not allowed into their headquarters. He was ousted on many occasions. He was rejected! Can you believe, the King of the universe rejected?
Jesus harshly scolded them for their deceitful ways. He came to remove their exclusivities and swing the doors wide open. He doesn’t want anyone to feel what that kid felt. His heart breaks for those still not on His list of honors-might be you!
See, Jesus prepared the way for us to get in to the God’s Clubhouse. “Swordfish” is not the password…sounds fishy to you? It’s not. “Jesus” is the code to get you in! It’s not Buddha. It’s not Mary, Not John, Not Allah, Not Hari Krishna, not Saint Peter…but “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Yet, Jesus is still getting rejected to this day! His arm is outstretched welcoming you in (Isaiah 9:12).
The invite is already printed and handed out! Everyone’s welcome!!! But you’ll not get in neither with your attire (regardless how flashy), or with your own password. “And what’s wrong with my attire??” You may ask. We can only be dressed with Christ’s righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
Therefore, heaven, will be exclusively available ONLY to those “washed in the blood of Christ and whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!
Leave behind the unrighteous deed of the flesh and of the law; the shadow of things to come, already fulfilled in Jesus, and get ready for the feast of a lifetime-literally! See ya there! I’ll be wearing my yellow Converse high-tops!
Sam