Bread for the JourneySample

The Lord Invites You

One of the most beautiful words spoken by Jesus is "Venid," or "come." This is a word that shows an invitation. I think any of us would feel extremely flattered and privileged to receive an invitation from a person of great prestige. How much more so when the person who invites us to come near Him is Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When Peter and his brother Andrew were casting their nets into the sea to fish, Jesus came near. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19, NIV) I can imagine the look of astonishment on these men's faces; they already knew about Jesus, had heard Him speak, called Him Teacher, and had experienced His power when their nets were filled with fish.

When invited by the Teacher to follow Him, with the bonus that He would make them fishers of men, they didn't think twice—they accepted immediately. We, who know the story of these men, know they didn't immediately understand what Jesus was inviting them to do. Nevertheless, that didn't stop what Jesus called them for from being fulfilled.

Do you remember the moment Jesus extended His invitation to you? I remember it as if it were yesterday. His invitation was saturated with His love. Like Peter and Andrew, I had heard about Jesus, but it wasn't until that moment when I saw His arms stretched out on the cross, calling me to follow Him, that my heart, my mind, my soul, and my whole being responded to His call.

That invitation from Jesus is extended to all humanity; some leave their nets and follow Him, and others turn their backs to do what they consider more important. How tragic and regrettable!

That's what happened to the rich young man whom Jesus invited to follow Him; however, his riches weighed more heavily than the Savior's unconditional love. The Word says that Jesus looked at him and loved him, but this young man ignored the greatest invitation any man could receive and despised it.

Jesus doesn't stop telling us to "come." When we feel tired, worn out, and without strength, the Teacher extends His invitation to us again: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV) Let's read that promise from the Lord again: "I will give you rest."

Perhaps this time of so much uncertainty has drained your strength. Let's listen to Jesus' words again and accept His invitation to receive His rest.

When they were tired from the busyness of the ministry and the many people following the Teacher, the Lord Jesus was thoughtful enough (I love my Teacher!) to notice His disciples' exhaustion and gave them an invitation: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31, NIV)

The need to rest, slow down, and take care of ourselves should not be ignored. This is something of great importance that we should not overlook.

Today, the Lord invites you to His embrace so you can rest in Him.