An Invitation

Invited.

Earlier this year I received an invitation for a monthly gathering of women. I only knew the host, but I jumped at the chance. I knew that if this friend of mine was convening a group of women I could expect authentic, genuine conversations about a life of faith. Give me Jesus and His women and I’m good for hours! 

Why does it seem that no matter how old we get, being invited seems to do wonders for our confidence? The invitation, well before the event or meeting, makes us feel wanted. Someone wants us to have a seat at their table. Someone wants to be in our presence. It’s a good feeling. Heck, it’s a great feeling.

Matthew 4:18-21 tells us about Jesus calling his first disciples. The passage describes Jesus walking beside the Sea of Galilee, first seeing two brothers fishing and then another pair of brothers. He calls each pair to stop what they are doing and come follow him. The Bible says that “at once” they dropped their nets and followed him. 

Besides the fact that there are few things I have ever dropped everything for without any hesitation, and these guys did, what’s just as remarkable, is what’s left out of the text and can only be found within understanding the passage’s cultural context. You see, in Jesus's time, most disciples sought out their Rabbi, the Rabbi didn’t make the first move. But Jesus did. Of course he did. 

And, this is what the Holy Spirit still does. He invites YOU. He pursues you.

Do you believe it? 

You are invited, sister. You are invited into the greatest relationship of your life—here on earth and for eternity. Just as He invited His chosen disciples to follow Him, He invites you to life everlasting with Him. 

If you’ve already chosen this life of faith, do you realize you have been invited? What does it mean for you to live in the invitation?

If you don’t know this invitational God, can I dare you to pick up His word and see what He has for you? I promise you that you will not be disappointed.