JESUS INVITED

Invitations

Katy Foster

Don’t worry. I won’t show up at your house at dinner time. Although I would like to, we haven’t taken the time to get to know each other. Besides, I would want to contribute to the meal with a casserole or dessert, but I’m not sure what kind of food you like. 

No big deal. I’ll stay home and continue in the contentment of my own food.

Most likely, we have turned heads because of our portrayal of abiding in Christ, without ever knowing someone was watching. Christians have an aura of wholeness that’s noticed. Who can you invite into this joy? Into your home? To your church? 

If you don’t invite them, more than likely, they won’t show up. Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him. James and John didn’t throw fishing poles over their shoulders to run to Jesus. Matthew didn’t shout, “Hey Jesus, how about me?” Jesus came to them. Our Savior even tells us, 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV). Jesus knocked first.

Jesus welcomes us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), and in Isaiah 55:3, we’re invited, “Incline your ear, and come to Me.” Jesus is warm, welcoming, and inviting to all. 

However, if I don’t know those verses, I won’t know that Jesus or his followers are warm, welcoming, and inviting. 

It takes an invitation. 

Typically, a person doesn’t walk confidently over a threshold that is not their own. An invitation encourages others that they are worthy, appreciated, and loved.

Your church looks inviting and warm, but I’m not sure about the spiritual food that is offered there. 

I’d like to contribute, but I’m not sure if I belong, or if I’m good enough. 

No big deal. I’ll stay home in the contentment of my own “food”… It takes an invitation. 

Do you remember the joy of receiving an invitation? Beloved, pay it forward.

Katy Foster, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, is a homeschooler of three, and author of From a Boy to a Godly Man series. Contac