It is not me who is doing the inviting but someone very important. It is Jesus who invites you to join him. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavily burdened and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Yes. I know. What an offer! It is absolutely all-inclusive! No exceptions! It’s for all of us! Isn’t that the best! Sorry, I’m using so many exclamations points, but really, could we ask for anything better? Who in this world is not weary of contemplating the problems before us, tired of getting nowhere, and exhausted from trying to figure life out?
The most wonderful thing is that Jesus Himself is making this offer to us! Sorry, I just made another exclamation point. If anyone else were doing the inviting, I would say, “Ya? Good luck.” But God Himself, the very creator of you, the one who knows your thoughts and feelings without you ever needing to explain or describe them to Him, says, “Come. Come spend time with me in my Word, in my presence because I want to give you. YOU! Yes, you, rest. Beautiful rest.”
The invitation gets even better. He continues to say, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” Ok, wait! I know you might instantly think that doesn’t sound very exciting—a yoke and learning. It sounds like work, not rest, but look again at the invitation. God is essentially saying, “Hey, all of you that are going a thousand miles an hour trying to keep up with the rest of the world—walk with me. Sync your steps with mine, shorten your stride, do what I do, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS! Yes. You just read a personal guarantee from God Himself to you. You will find rest for your soul, for my yoke and stride are easy and my burden—it’s a light one.
Well? Are you in? Personally, I’m going to take Jesus up on His offer. Are you coming with me? It’s going to be awesome! If so, you need to RSVP. God does not assume anyone is coming. He invites everyone and then waits for the RSVPs to come in. Oh, you might be wondering what email or number to text to accept this limited-time offer. God’s so advanced you simply need your heart to cry, “Lord, I accept you and your invitation.” At that moment, if and when you decide to join up with Jesus, well, the Bible says our names get written down in a book in Heaven, and when the angels hear about another RSVP coming in, they throw a party!
Hope to see you there!
Charlene Ramstead - Regina Beach, Lumsden, Craven, Southey Layperson
Comment on this at lmtimes.ca/minister
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
