Have you ever received an invitation to some event or place that excited you? In my life, I have received many invitations that brought great joy, excitement, or intrigue. Invitations to speak or sing at an event bring a barrage of feelings to my soul. I get excited about sharing God’s word, or singing of His goodness. I also get a bit anxious or fearful that I won’t give the audience what God desires me to share, or that they will not receive me well. However, the greatest invitation I have ever received was from the King of Kings, the Master of the Universe, and the Creator of everything. It was an invitation to be free from the guilt and penalty of my sins. Romans 3:23 declares we are all guilty of sin. We have “come short,” or missed the mark of God’s requirement for Eternal life in Heaven with Him. That requirement is sinless perfection.
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Without an invitation from God, we are destined for Hell. In God’s mercy and love, He made a way that we could receive His invitation to Heaven. He gave the only one who was perfect to pay for our sins, His Son Jesus. I accepted this invitation, but many have not. They reject the requirements for this event. Those requirements are repentance and obedience.
Romans 5:8-9 “But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
The acceptance of the previous invitation opens doors to many more invitations. As a child of God, I can come before Him anytime. I live in His presence continually. I don’t need an invitation to speak to Him. We who have accepted the first invitation have an open invitation to thoroughly express our hearts to Him in prayer. In John 14:13-14, we are told that whatever we ask in His name, according to His will, he will do it. He desires us to pour out our hearts to Him, and He longs to be our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
We also have an invitation from Jesus himself in Matthew 11:28. He offers those who are weary rest. It is an invitation that yields sweet rest. He is able to give the rest that brings peace to our soul, knowing He is in full control.
Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
In Matthew 4:18, we have another invitation from Jesus. He offers us an opportunity to get on board and do Kingdom work. If we follow Him, He will teach us how to lead others to Him and disciple them so they too can make disciples. This is an invitation that gives us purpose while we are still on this earth. We are allowed the privilege of being employed by the Master to do kingdom work, and the pay is out of this world.
Matthew 4:18-19 “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
We also have an invitation to abide in Him. He offers us security by dwelling with Him. In our relationship with Christ, we are not a visitor that seeks His company from time to time. We are living in His presence. One of my favorite passages and my life’s verse is found in Psalms 91:1-2. This invitation yields peace and security that nothing else.
Psalm 91:1-2 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
As with any invitation, you have a decision to make. You can either accept it or decline. Daily there are so many that decline God’s invitation to be part of His family. They are like the young person who wants to experience life on His own. He thinks He will enjoy life more if He is not under anyone’s authority. Yet, when he pulls away from those who love him, he finds life is full of problems and restrictions that he can’t handle. He has been deceived by Satan to think the grass is always greener on the other side. God’s invitation is the invitation that gives from the moment you accept it, and it never stops giving. It brings with it freedom, joy unspeakable, comfort in times of trouble, and everlasting life.
