Invitations come in various ways. An invitation to a wedding, graduation or birthday party means a celebration is at hand. An invitation to dinner or for a cup of coffee is an opportunity to get to know someone better. An invitation means someone wants to share a happy event. It springs out of someone’s grace and generosity.
Invitations often come with stipulations. Formal attire may be expected. A specific time and place are designated. You may be asked to bring a dessert. An invitation can be accepted or refused, acted upon or ignored.
Jesus makes the most wonderful invitation of all. He invites us to come to Him. It comes out of His grace and generosity, not because of anything we have done to deserve it. His offer comes to us at great cost to Himself.
The first couple, in the perfect environment of the Garden, chose their own way instead of trusting God. Instead of appreciating all that God had generously provided, they sought what He withheld. Their DNA of sin spread to all their descendants, including each one of us. Sin separates us from God. It deserves His judgment. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
The eternal God came to earth as a man to save humanity from itself. He took the punishment for our sin on Himself, so we could live forever with Him. He died in our place, for our sin, so we could live. He invites us to life. But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
All who will may come–no exclusions. When Jesus walked the earth His offer was open to Pharisees, tax collectors and prostitutes. He made no distinctions between people by their outward appearance. He didn’t condemn anyone for their past. What mattered was whether they responded to Him in belief.
That is just as true now. Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). He invites everyone. Those who are hungry and thirsty in their souls, find He is the Bread of Life, and Living Water. For the weary, He offers rest. He satisfies as nothing else can. He offers the abundant life that begins now and lasts throughout eternity.
His resurrection proves the truth of His claims. We must believe He is who He said He is. True belief results in life change. The past doesn’t matter, but how we respond to Him does. We can’t straighten out our crooked nature, but He straightens us out from the inside.
Jesus told a story about a man who prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. But those invited made excuses. The man was furious. He continued sending out invitations to others, because he wanted a full house. None of those who refused his invitation would get a taste of his banquet (Luke 14:16-24).
Jesus invites us now to know Him intimately. He invites us to share in all the glories of heaven. He wants a full house. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. He won’t force us to believe. He simply invites us to come to Him.
Invitations come in a variety of ways. Only one has eternal consequences.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 NLT
How have you responded to Jesus’ generous invitation? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by M. from Pixabay
Thanks for the post, Phyllis. I pray it helps your readers understand how simple it is to accept Christ.
Thank you so much, Joni.