by Victoria Watson Henry
a The Kids & Me contributor
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” Isaiah 55:1-3 NLT
The purpose of an invitation, whether written or verbal, is to invite someone somewhere to do something. During your lifetime, you will probably be invited to many functions: weddings, birthdays, dinner parties, church socials, sorority pledging, graduation, book studies, school plays, concerts, art and cultural activities, business luncheons, seminars and workshops, to name a few. Some invitations specify for singles only, married or engaged couples, widows or divorcées. Some invitations require an RSVP; others may not need confirmation of your presence. Some may require a certain dress code like formal, causal, spring attire, black tie affair, or dressy casual and you run around trying to find something to wear -something that others will notice as you seek to impress. Other functions require a certain status and are only extended to those within that social standing while other invitations might require a fee to attend. Some functions give a thank you note or gift for your attendance at the event while others invite you back again to further explore.
In like manner, God also sends an invitation. His invitation invites you to Come! The word Come is used several times in Isaiah 55:1-3. It literally means to walk, take or follow. It indicates a change of position from where you are to where you are going. It indicates an elevation, a fulfillment. Come and be present at this event. There is no specification. Come as single, single parent, married, engaged, divorced and widowed. No matter what your status is, Come! The invitation requires no dress code nor are there any conditions to be met. Come just as you are.
Your RSVP to this invitation guarantees a relationship - one of faithful mercy and unfailing love. It promises to satisfy the longing and thirsting of your soul. This invitation comes with the assurance of new life, in abundance, “to the full, till it overflows” (John 10:10).
What will you wear?
Will brokenness be your attire for the affair? That’s fine! For the broken and the broken-hearted, there is healing that will repair, bandage wounds and put together the broken pieces of your heart (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3).
Does your attire suggest a need (financial, physical, spiritual)? Your needs will be met (Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:11).
Does your attire require love and care? Unconditional, never failing, overflowing and never ending love is waiting to shower you (Song of Songs 2:4, Romans 5:5).
Does your apparel scream identity needed? The Giver of this invitation makes all things new including a new identity and status where you are crowned with glory and honor, deemed royal, and worthy (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 8:5).
Does your apparel make you feel underdressed? The Giver of this invitation is prepared to adorn you as a bride (Isaiah 61:10). The word adorn means to make it more beautiful (Psalm 149:4).
Does your appearance single you out as alone and in need of companionship and relationship? The Giver of this invitation is the relationship Giver (Genesis 2:18). He stands ready to make an everlasting covenant relationship with you (Isaiah 55:3).
Invitations will be given; some you may accept and others you may decline or not respond at all. If where you are presently is not where you would like to be, consider the invitation to the thirsty and Come!
Let’s Pray
Father, I come to You in the name of Your Son Jesus. I thank You for the invitation - an invitation that can bring about a needed change in my life. Life can be overwhelming and challenging at times, considering the responsibilities that I carry. Sometimes I feel that I am alone, but I know that You are there. It is only You Father Who can satisfy the longings of my heart and quench the thirsting of my soul. It is only You Who can give me a fresh start and a new beginning, because You make all things new. It is only You Who can heal my brokenness and transform my heart. It is only You Who accepts me as I am, and gently invites me to grow.
Thank you for loving me.
Amen
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