PODCAST
An Open Invitation
December 4th, 2017
Isaiah 49:1-13
I recently received one of the most unusual invitations I have ever received. “Come join us for a meal, along with several people from another faith tradition. Please join us, and bring anyone you can find to come along with you.”
It may have been the most grace-filled invitation I have ever received. And the evening was a spectacular success. People who tended to fear or distrust one another, people who had little in common, joined together for an evening of delicious food, beautiful demonstrations of cultural identity, and relaxed and open conversation. The evening ended with tears of joy, promises of repeating the event, and a new appreciation for what simple conversation could accomplish.
This is just a foretaste of the gracious invitation given through Isaiah to the people of Israel. We dare not narrow the invitation God has issued, nor overlook the responsibility we are given in Isaiah 49:6. We followers of Messiah Jesus are given an incredible invitation, and one that we are to pass along!
Author: Jesse C. Middendorf
