The word of God is a constant
challenge to the follower of Jesus. The admonitions contained
therein frequently find us needing to re-evaluate our
attitudes and actions and to re-examine our lives. One such
statement comes from an invitation in Revelation 22:17 - "the
Spirit and Bride say, 'come!'"
However, upon reflection, I
wonder if the Bride is saying, "come!" Consider how we
respectfully sit quietly through a sermon, but when the
preacher reaches the conclusion of his lesson and begins
offering the invitation, what happens? You don't know? Look
around and listen once. Purses snap and zip. Toys jangle and
clang as they are being put away. Bibles are slapped shut.
Songbooks are raked from their racks. Shoes are put back on.
Coats and sweaters are gathered up and put on. There is such
a flurry of activity I must wonder what one who needs to
respond to the invitation is thinking. If the message that
comes through to them is the same that sometimes comes through
to me is, "Hurry up! We're about done. We need to get out of
here and get to the restaurants before everyone else."
I have no doubt that the
Spirit says, "come!" I'm not as sure about the Bride.
Friends, next time the invitation is offered...don't grab for
the songbook, don't start gathering up your things, don't look
as though you're in a rush to get out of the building. Rather
think of what is being done. An invitation to the lost is
being made. It is a time that for some may mean the
difference between heaven and hell. Don't use this as a time
to get ready to leave, but rather use it as a time of
prayerful concern for the lost, and encouragement for those
who need to respond to the invitation of Jesus.
Give it some thought.
Copyright © 2005,
South Green Street Church of Christ, Glasgow, Kentucky
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