Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Cheating? Or Being Wise?

Okay, this isn't a verse about cheating, and it really has little to do with cheating other than the fact that today's verse comes from the end of The Book. When you're reading a novel it's seen as cheating when you read the end, but when you're reading the Bible it's just plain smart. Here ya go:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come " And let the one who hears say, "Come " And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:17

For some reason I felt the need to read the end of the book today. Maybe it's because the words of Anne Murray sing in my mind, "I sure could use a little good news today." Not many would say they're going to Revelation for good news. For some it's downright terrifying reading about The End. However, as I was reading through the last half of chapter 22 this verse sang in answer to my song.

Isn't that a beautiful picture? God is the Spirit. We are the Bride. We are the voice saying to those around us, "come!" and may those who hear respond and say to others, "come!" And they, in return, tell others.....Oh! What a vibrant picture of invitation and the power of someone simply saying, "you're invited."

Look at the last two words. "...without cost." I know so many who say they don't want to accept Jesus as their Savior because they would have to give up so much. Yet this says when we respond and come to the well of living water we can drink and be filled...without cost. I believe we miss the mark when we say we have to sacrifice so much for our faith. The sacrifice has been made. Jesus paid it all. We are simply accepting the gift of an eternal life with our Savior ~ without cost. It doesn't mean there won't be pain on earth and we won't have to make sacrifices, but in the realm of eternity.......does it really cost us that much? Would you trade in your car for a brand new (insert your favorite ridiculously over-priced high-end car here) if you never had to pay a dime? Not even for gas or maintenance? You'd be a fool not to! We'd do it in a heartbeat if we knew there would never be a cost associated with it.

So who are you inviting? Who are you speaking to and letting them know about the eternal celebration that is going to happen? Have you, yourself, accepted the invitation? You've still got time...but there are thousands of people who will tell you over and over again we never know when our time is up.

Won't you come?