Invited to Come

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

My daddy, a GEM church planter in Austria, had his office in our home. As a child, I knew that when the door was closed, I should stay out and let him study as he prepared the sermon for the next Sunday. But there were times when I “needed” my daddy for something or another. I am sure that it was important for my young 7-year-old self, but probably in light of the world’s issues, it was not significant. And yet, when I knocked, my daddy would always say, “Come on in!”. I would run in and jump into his lap, and he would embrace me fully and ask what was on my mind. For me, this is the ultimate in feeling welcome: a warm embrace, looking into my eyes and being listened to, having my needs tended to, being made to feel that I am important.

I am so grateful for the example that my father was to me.  Of course he was not perfect, but as an earthly father my daddy set a great example so that I could better imagine the love that my heavenly Abba has for me.  

When God said, “come to me, all you who are weary”, I hear a welcoming invitation to be with Him. An invitation to come sit with Him…maybe on his lap? It is an invitation that shows me how important I am to Him. My daddy did not just invite me into his room to sit and watch him work; he looked me in the eyes and took me on his lap, into his embrace and listened. Then he comforted me with his wisdom.

I would like to imagine that my heavenly Abba does the same. He is always inviting me to Himself. We see that in Scripture so many times. When I am with Jesus, I can sit and be still. I can share all my worries and be held. I am invited to come as I am. 

Debby Nichols

For Reflection

“He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” (Mark 6:31 NIV)

Ponder the times that Jesus invited people to come to Him. Even if you did not have a Father who was welcoming, you have the example of Jesus hospitality in the following verses. Which verse speaks most to you and why?

• How have you experienced the welcoming of God in your life?

• How might you apply God’s hospitality toward you as you interact with others around you?