Jesus Invites

Jesus made many invitations in His teaching.  He wanted people to know that they are wanted, that He cares about people, cares about their salvation.  Let's think about some of the ways that He reached out to extend open invitations to all:

One of the best, most pleasant invitations is found in Matthew chapter 11:

"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

We see from this that taking on Jesus in our lives can be like putting on a yoke, like what was done to oxen.   But Jesus knows and tells us that this yoke is not a burden, or at least a heavy burden.  It does carry its restrictions, but He knows that the end result is far lighter than the alternative.  After all, we are going to carry a yoke of something, whether it be of Jesus....or of Satan and sin and degradation.
The yoke of Jesus is that of one who is gentle and lowly in heart, and there we find rest.

Remember that Jesus taught that we should "knock and the door will be opened."   He has made preparation for us in heaven and wants us to join Him.

Hebrews 11:6 teaches that "...he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."  He has done His part by sending Jesus to bring us salvation.  Heaven is waiting for those who "diligently seek Him."

The story of the Prodigal Son is a great example of how God wants us to be home with Him.  The son goes off and wastes his life, but when he comes home, the father comes running out to greet him, throws a celebration, and is so accepting. 

The love of the Father is far greater than we can even imagine.  He invites and wants us to follow Him.  Let's pledge ourselves to Him, the one who loves us so.

Thanks for reading.  Feel the love.