An invitation to dinner is only of value if we respond to it. God’s invitation is no different. It has been extended to all mankind, but unless man meets the conditions, the invitation goes unclaimed. The requirements of the invitation are simple: We must come, we must listen, and we must forsake our own ways and thoughts. God’s ways and thoughts are incompatible with our carnal mind. When we cling to our own ideas, we will miss the blessings of salvation. When we completely surrender our own way of thinking, God abundantly pardons us. He pours His love, peace, and joy into our hearts, and we will acknowledge that truly God keeps His promise.
Perhaps we think of the great invitation as being an invitation to lost souls, and surely it is. Yet as we walk the path of Christian life, we may become sidetracked and begin to seek after some of “that which is not bread” and “that which satisfieth not.” When this happens, God speaks to us and invites us to come back again, forsaking that which is not pleasing to Him. May we never despise these quiet promptings; rather let us be keen to His gentle voice as He calls us again to himself.
Sometimes we thirst for companionship, sometimes we thirst for direction when faced with choices, and sometimes we simply thirst for a deeper communion with God in our daily walk. The beautiful invitation of the gospel stands open at all times. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” May we never hesitate to accept this great invitation.
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:6-8).
From Adult and Youth Sunday School Lessons, Vol. 53, No. 3, Lesson 3
