Call To All

Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Isaiah 55:1

THERE’S SOMETHING about being invited. About being picked, chosen, welcomed. I’ve watched my children long for invitations to play. They love being asked to join the kickball game in the street. And truth be told, not much changes as we grow up. I love being asked to coffee and being invited to the party down the street.

This is why Jesus never disappoints and why His grace is amazing. Jesus is the God who Invites. He is always beckoning us: “Come here, sweet daughter. Come to Me, weary one. Come and find refreshment, joy, and life. Find grace in Me.”

God has always desired connection with His people. In ancient days, He spoke through the prophet Isaiah with a boisterous voice:

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And delight yourself in abundance.

Incline your ear and come to Me.

Listen, that you may live;

And I will make an everlasting covenant with you.

Isaiah 55:2-3, NASB

What an invitation! God is inviting us to come to Him, to eat what is good, and to delight ourselves in His abundance. He is personally handing us gorgeous golden invitations to be with Him.

But as it goes for invitations, we need to respond. We need to say yes or no. We need to accept or reject it. And we have this choice on a daily basis. Will I go to Him to eat what is good? Or will I look to shadowy substances like cream-filled donuts, hours on Netflix, a one-night stand?

What I love about God’s invitation is that it’s a call to come in your worst state. You, who have no money, come. You, who have nothing, come. You, bankrupt in every way, come.

We are in such need, and we have nothing to bring. What could we possibly offer the living God who owns all things and whose Son paid the ultimate price for our sins to be removed? Nothing. God is inviting the empty-handed to become the full-hearted in His presence.

What direction are you heading today? No matter where your wandering soul might be going, you can always turn toward the path to the King. Turning toward Him in faithfulness is grace looking amazing on you. Even if you just spent everything you have, He says come. Even if you feel dirty and ashamed, He says come. Even if you feel you’re too far gone, He says come. Come.

GRACE REFLECTION: Pray with me, “Thank You, God, for being an inviting God and for Your inviting grace. Your arms are always open, gesturing me to join You. Thank You for a standing and open invitation to me at all times. Amen.”