2023_12_22 Insight Post- Karenna Rowenhorst
This week’s reading- Malachi 3-4, Revelation 21-22
I sat in a small group discussion circle recently and we talked about how Jesus had been revealed to each of us at different points in our life. And more specifically, who were the people who showed Jesus to us through their words and actions? How did we learn about him? While I can’t tell the stories that were shared, there was a common thread I saw running through most of the stories. In everything that was said, the idea of being invited or experiencing an invitation played an important role as people encountered Jesus. Invitations tell who thought of us, that something is being prepared for us, or that we are an important part of an event that will happen. When was the last time you got an invitation? How did it make you feel?
When I read the passage in Revelation 22 this week, it reminded me that we have been given the ultimate invitation from Jesus himself. These two verses are a clear picture of that invitation:
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you to tell the churches all these things. I am both David’s Root and his Descendant. I am the bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let each one who hears them say the same, ‘Come.’ Let the thirsty one come—anyone who wants to; let him come and drink the Water of Life without charge.” Revelation 22:16-17
Jesus uses the word “come” – as in, approach, move forward, take a step, reach out! It requires movement on our part. The invitation is the first part, the response from us is what Jesus is waiting for. And the reason we can respond confidently is the message comes from one who is completely trustworthy and one who has made the way for our path back to God.
Christmas is, at its core, about the start of an invitation from God, straight to every human being on planet Earth. Sometimes we think and think about something, but never take that step forward. We think, maybe God is trustworthy, but hold back on trusting him. We think, maybe God is loving, but we don’t accept that love for ourselves. We think, maybe God really did provide a way back to him, but we don’t accept his grace. This season of Christmas is the opportunity to see the invitation that has been laid out for us.
Jesus said we can drink the Living Water without charge (no strings attached!). Jesus himself is the gift that is offered through this invitation. And we know it is a gift, not something to be earned. Paul tells us in Romans 3:24, “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
What is Jesus inviting you to this Christmas? Whatever it is, be certain that he is reaching out to you, even you, especially you, with an invitation of love and grace.
Karenna Rowenhorst
Senior Director of Education