Jesus’ Invitation
By Peggy Park
On Fridays, Christ Compels Ministry welcomes some of our dear friends as guest devotional writers. This Friday, we welcome Peggy Park, Author of The Power of the Lamb’s Blood, by Winepress Publishers
Available through any book store or at www.parkpraisepublications.com. Special displays are taking place during the Easter holiday so be sure to check them out.
“How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Hebrews 2:3-4 NIV
An invitation was first issued to all mankind at the cross as Jesus’ death provided the blood sacrifice which God requires as payment for an individual’s sins. We are in the season of focusing on that sacrifice and the provision for salvation it supplied to those who would accept His invitation. The day is often referred to as Good Friday with the Savior’s glorious resurrection following as He came up out of that grave.
When we receive an invitation to an earthly event, it is “time sensitive” and sometimes requires an RSVP (response). If you fail to attend at the appointed time, you miss your chance to participate in what is usually a happy gathering of people with lots of food and fellowship.
Jesus’ invitation for salvation ultimately culminates in a glorious party referred to in Scripture as the marriage supper of the Lamb where the heavenly Bridegroom (Jesus) and His bride (the true believers from all the ages) celebrate. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7 niv
We, as believers, are the bride of Christ because we responded to His salvation invitation with a resounding “Yes!” His invitation is not time sensitive as long as an individual has breath. It stays open for years; however, Scripture does caution that He will not strive with a person forever.
Just as a period of intense preparation usually precedes an earthly wedding, it takes time to prepare a bride for the marriage to the Lamb of God. Let us check to be sure we have responded to Jesus’ invitation according to Scriptural guidelines. (Believe, repent, confess, and be baptized.) Then be eager to get rid of any filth (sin) that would stain our wedding garment. We yield to the purification process as He convicts us of wrong doing. The wedding supper of the Lamb will be an occasion of great rejoicing as we worship and give Him glory.
Pray with us at Christ Compels: Lord, I do want my wedding garment to be pristine white on the day I meet You for the wedding supper. Help me to discern, admit, and yield those areas in my life where I need You to wash off the dirt so my spirit will be ready to meet You on that glorious day. We pray all of this in the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen!