The Invitation of a Lifetime
The greatest word of invitation is “come.” Although, as a youngster, I didn’t think so as I was summoned with the command, “Come Here!” Scripturally, the word occurs almost 1,500 times (NIV) in the various sixty-six books. The word of invitation has been spoken by God on numerous occasions. Early in Genesis, God speaks to Noah saying, “Come … I have set my rainbow in the clouds … as a covenant (Gen 9:12). The flood caused massive destruction as God had promised but He remained faithful to Noah and his family. And now, after the waters had subsided, God invites Noah and his family to exit the ark; and sets a rainbow as a promise to never again destroy using flood waters. Later, we are told that God (YHWH) spoke to Moses in the burning bush (a theophany). Here, God says, “So I have come down to rescue …” In these two incidences, we see that God has not forgotten nor forsaken His people.
In just a few short verses from the Exodus 3:8 verse, we see that God tells Moses to tell the Israelites that the I AM has sent him. This name I AM is a reminder of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The I AM is the unchanging nature of God that continues to show itself in the manifestation of the Son of Man – the Messiah or the Christ.
This word “come” is sometimes followed by words such as after or unto. These words definitely show His words of invitation. It took me a long time to realize that the Gospel invites. In Matthew’s gospel he quotes our Lord, “Come unto me . . . and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28). The invitation here is followed by a promise. An eternal promise of rest. This rest surpasses the human tragedy caused by sin that results in death.
The apostle John begins his gospel from a unique perspective versus the other gospel writers. “In the beginning . . .” This phrase sounds very familiar to the opening words in Genesis. Here John is clear to point out that God is eternal and that He became flesh born into the world to fulfill the prophesy as the Messiah. “The Word became flesh,” says John. (1:14) This same creator now came to save all those who believe in Him. John invites us to see the light, that is, the life possible through the Lamb of God. What powerful opening verses! Come and See! John the Baptist tells his followers, “Look . . . the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29)
This spiritual light is made possible through faith. Yes, faith is that spiritual sight that enables us to see the Light that gives life. The great faith chapter (Hebrews 11) reminds you and me that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” (11:1) The spiritual sight is able to visualize the promises of God through the Lamb and His perfect sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. The promises of God continue to hold even as they did with Noah and Moses in times of old.
John’s gospel continues to remind his readers of the names and natures of Jesus. The I AM is the bread of life; the light of the world; the gate; the good shepherd; the resurrection and the life; the way, truth, and life; and the true vine. These seven mentions also mirror the “7’s” reference to completeness or perfection. The other gospel writers remind its readers of what the Old Testament prophesied, “The Messiah will heal the sick, give sight to the blind . . .” (Luke 7:21 and Matt 4:23).
Why are these miracles important? Well, we certainly know that sin brought in imperfections in life. But God has control over everything, yes even blindness. John tells us of the healing of a blind man from birth. Jesus responds to His disciples of why this man was born blind. “. . .But this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” The healing brought much controversy as the religious leaders doubted the truth of the healing. In fact, John tells us that “nobody” has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind!! Come and See!
This physical healing is a foretaste of our spiritual blindness before faith. The gospel (Come) invites us to see the wonders of faith that promises eternal rest in spite of our sinful condition. Perhaps the most beautiful use of the words “come and see,” are found in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus had completed His work of salvation, i.e. had been the perfect Lamb sacrificed for your sins and mine. And then on the third day, He rose as promised. The angel of the Lord said to the women at the tomb, “Come and see the place where He lay. . .” (Matthew 28:6). Finally, Thomas was invited by the Lord to come and see for himself the wounds in His hands and side. He proclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” May you and I come and see Him, the living Lord, as we live in faith and continue to find Him daily in his Word and Sacraments.
I am a lifelong Christian in the Lutheran tradition that has been raised in a liturgical worship environment. I love to sing God’s praises. I learned to sing from my maternal grandfather who had a wonderful tenor voice and sang with emphasis showing me what God’s love meant to him. Hymn writers of old wrote with great boldness, confirmed their faith by setting God’s Word to music. Continuing with my theme, “Come,” listen to the hymnist.
Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord
with all Your graces now outpoured
On each believer’s mind and heart;
Your fervent love to them impart.
Lord, by the brightness of Your light
In holy faith Your Church unite;
From every land and every tongue
This to Your praise, O Lord, our God be sung:
Alleluia Alleluia (LSB 497)
May God continue to shine on you in this life and provide that much anticipated rest promised to each who believe in our Living Lord!
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
