Have you received an invitation in the mail recently? Perhaps you were invited to a wedding, neighborhood party, or graduation event. Invitations are welcoming, they let us know that we are important to the individual or group associated with the event. To receive an invitation is to be included,
The living God issues an invitation in our text today. "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" This is an invitation to relationship...an invitation to encounter the living God in a manner that fosters nourishment and fulfillment. It isn't something that can be bought or earned...it is the gift of God.
Paul reminds his readers, in the context of personal sin, that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." (Romans 6:23) The season of Lent invites us once more to witness God's great love, not by private invitation, but by broad appeal that recognizes the need of every human heart. The cross is the seal on this invitation, calling us again to respond to God's generosity...an RSVP to the eternal God. Ponder anew this invitation and then come once again...all who are thirsty, all who hunger for real peace and forgiveness. This is the gift of God for all...for you.
Jim Abernathy
No comments:
Post a Comment