Matthew 25:10-13“But while they were on their way to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. Open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

I know of nothing we celebrate in a bigger way than a wedding. Entire cities may celebrate championship teams with more expense and bigger entertainment. But divide that by the number of people who come, compare the planning and preparation to that which a single family pours into a wedding, and I believe that weddings still come out ahead.

The average wedding in the United States today costs more than $35,000. The average annual salary isn’t that much more, about $44,000 per year. The invitations, the flowers, the pictures, the dresses, the music, the venue, the limo, the meal, the cake–it all adds up. For many people it is the pinnacle of life’s joys.

It has been that way for thousands of years. Consider that Jesus produced over a hundred gallons of wine for the single wedding at Cana, and that was part way through the meal. Feasting, singing, huge guest lists–weddings have long been among the happiest things we celebrate.

It’s not a surprise, then, that Jesus uses a wedding banquet as a picture of the happiest, most joyful place in the universe: heaven. We may not know the details of what is waiting at the banquet–the menu, the decor, the music, all the guests on the list. We do know that this life’s grandest celebration and happiest event becomes the base line for describing what every day might look and feel like in the life to come. Those whose faith in Jesus burns till he returns will share his feast of joy that never ends.

The outcome for the rest is not so good. “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. Open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’” Jesus doesn’t work all the explicit pictures of suffering in hell into this story: the flames, the worms, the gnashing of teeth. But this is no picture of a happy alternative to heaven, a decent second choice where the party might be just as good and the people even more fun.

Those whose oil ran dry, whose faith was lost, are desperate to get in. But they are excluded, shut out. During life that door could admit almost anyone. Moses’ brother Aaron led a whole nation into idolatry, but he repented and entered. King David committed murder and adultery, but he was forgiven and got in. The Apostle Peter denied the bridegroom himself three times, but after his tears of sorrow he even held the keys to this very door.

After Jesus returns, the door is shut. The outcome is sealed. Those without faith are forever outside, because they aren’t ready when Christ comes.

The count is almost over. Our Savior will be coming for us soon. Keep watch, tend your faith, and be ready when he comes.