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An Open Invitation
June 10th, 2011
1 John 2:1-14
In preparation for the ceremony, Machona sent out an invitation to all the village dwellers for a community celebration at his compound. Local brew was prepared, food was cooked, and the dancers and musicians were ready to entertain. As darkness fell, many people who had come mingled in and out of the house and gathered in groups around flickering fires in the field outside. When the ceremony was about to begin Machona asked everyone to leave the house except those who belonged to the nucleus family. Even though this was the climax of the celebration where appeasement sacrifices would be made to ancestors, only the immediate family was included.
What a different scene was played out when Jesus opened his arms wide and became the sacrifice for all humanity. No one was excluded; no boundaries of clan, culture, or tribe were set. He continues to receive anyone who will come to him with their whole heart. The invitation has been sent and the good news is that it is open to “whoever believes in him” (John 3:16).
Tags: Salvation
June 10th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Really missing the links to the Bible verses the last few days. I am even ok with the ESV, if needed.