“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden…” (Matthew 11:28a). This is without doubt the greatest invitation that has ever been given! Of course, the One Who gave this invitation really desired and desires that everyone will accept it. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Most everyone would like to enjoy what this invitation brings—rest, forgiveness, joy, peace, love and among other wonderful blessings, an eternal home in Heaven when life as we know it is over. While it is true that we can never earn this invitation (it is freely given), each one must accept the invitation on God’s terms. Sadly, not everyone has the spiritual ambition to accept our Lord’s invitation. What is involved in accepting this Great Invitation?
Firstly, there must be an awareness. In order to accept Christ’s invitation, one must be aware of his or her condition. If one is not aware that he “labors” and is “heavy laden” without acceptance of this invitation, then why would anyone “come”? On another occasion, Jesus put it this way, “…if any man thirst…” (John 7:37b). If one does not know he is thirsty, why would he seek water? Sadly, many folks are walking around “spiritually dehydrated” and never even know it! On still another occasion, Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst…” (Matthew 5:6a). Until we are aware that without Christ our spiritual bellies are “growling,” we can never accept the Great Invitation!
Secondly, there must be an apprehension. Simply stated, one must feel concerned and uneasy about his or her spiritual hunger and thirst! Sadly, some seemingly know they are lacking but are not really concerned about the remedy. Think for a minute physically. If a person is hungry, usually everything gets put on hold and life’s activities somewhat cease until he or she is fed. Even when a loved one dies, we usually have a dinner and partake of necessary food. Yet, far too often, spiritual hunger takes a “backseat” to life’s activities. We frequently allow the smallest interruption to keep us from our spiritual food. However, the blessing (“being filled”) goes to the one who is not satisfied about being hungry and thirsty (Matthew 5:6). The blessing (“rest”) goes to the one who is not content with “laboring” alone and being “heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). It is the one who is completely dissatisfied with spiritual dehydration that is filled with “living water” (John 4:10; 7:37). We will never be filled with heaven’s “bread and water” (John 6:35; 7:37) until we are no longer happy to empty!
Lastly, there must be an action. In the Great Invitation, the action was clear, “come” (Matthew 11:28). In John 7:37, the action was clear “come and drink.” This is a personal choice on the part of each individual. This is one of the most difficult parts of sharing the message of Jesus that we often face. We desire for a certain person to obey and find this awesome storehouse of spiritual food and water, and yet, individually he or she has little or no desire. Christianity is a personal choice! Sadly, some make the choice not to accept Christ’s invitation. While Christians plead and encourage, there is a choice each accountable person must make! We will never experience the bounty of the Lord until we make that personal choice to do so.
As John closed the Book of Revelation, some of the last words were a plea to accept Christ’s invitation, “And the Spirit and the bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Dear Reader, our plea and our prayer is that you will accept this invitation. Otherwise, you will miss out on the greatest feast ever. Please accept it!
