It’s a beautiful phrase to consider: “Christ’s invitation to you.”
In public school, getting invited to something was a momentous occasion: Birthday parties, pool parties, BBQs, play dates, and more. Knowing that someone desired my presence, the warmth that would fill my heart was overwhelming and wonderful.
And that emotional reaction seemed to flow simply from the mere receipt of the invitation. Yet, isn’t there more to it than just the receiving? In worldly invitations, additional details are usually considered, planned, and followed through—date, time, location, unique themes, special considerations for things like gifts, and more. The invite itself was only the initial opening of a door to something deeper and more involved. Without further study and consideration, we ran the risk of not fully gaining the benefits offered through the invite.
And maybe there is something else to consider in the unique invitation we receive from Christ at this point.
At first glance, so much seems to hang off of the mere acceptance of His invitation. We certainly have seen many who somehow never receive the invitation, or worse, overlook it and carelessly toss it aside without any thought. Those reactions can definitely carry consequences.
Indeed, there is much joy here, on earth and in Heaven, when someone acknowledges and confirms their invitation to follow Jesus. However, the invitation actually connects to further thoughts and considerations. And it’s in the following points we find important information central to our faith. Jesus spoke about this concept in the following scripture:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT).
I find it unfortunate that too many people often accept the invitation but don’t pursue what comes next. It’s like they read the first page of the invite but fail to open it fully to see what else it contains for their consideration.
Jesus’ words above clearly point to more than just a simple life built on following Him up and down hills in Judea. Loving Jesus while accepting Him as your LORD and Saviour is truly beautiful and potentially life-altering. But do note my use of the word: “Potentially.” In many cases, we short-cut our true potential as we only look at what is flowing in our direction. But His Word clearly outlines reciprocal action is required from us. Please take a moment and re-read Matthew’s passage above.
It took me some time to realize that trying to hang on to things as they defined my life BEFORE Jesus was a losing battle. And my relationship with Him was not deepened by merely sticking a foot into His pool. It was about being fully immersed. I needed to consider who He was, what He had done, and all that this meant to and for me. Once that penetrated my head, my heart could not help but get caught up in this overwhelming desire to be transformed. We talk so much about becoming more like Jesus and trying to rebalance ourselves under the banner of “More of Him – Less of Me.” Without a doubt, this gracious invitation to be with Him flows into a further invitation to be like Him. Let His marvellous invitation not stall at simply being invited in. Please continue to unfold and see ALL of the invitations He gave to you. See the amazing journey he is inviting you to be a part of. Truly, you will love and live much in that moment – and it will be wondrous.
I recognize that the phrase “take up your cross” can be a bit daunting, But we cannot go part-way and still gain the true victory that is ours, fully following Him. So, we ultimately can take heart in reading this finishing statement within His invitation:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT).
