"Come" 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).

Jesus calls people to come to Him. He did so in Bible times as he walked this earth, and he does so today. He wants us to be a part of God's family. He sacrificed Himself on the cross and died a horrible death to restore us to the Father so that we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven. As C. S. Lewis wrote, "God doesn't want something from us, He simply wants us."

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

When Jesus started His ministry, he called his disciples. From among those men (some scholars believe there were around seventy of them), He chose twelve to be close to Him and become his proteges. "Come," He said, "and I will make you fishers of men." They followed their Master, learning how to carry on the work after He left them to ascend into Heaven.

Zacchaeus had heard Jesus was coming and wanted to see Him. However, being short in stature, he climbed a sycamore tree, so he could see. When Jesus came near, He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." The little man was elated for this was no small matter. As a tax collector, most Jews hated him. Jesus' acceptance turned his life around and made an honest man of him.

Then, we have the rich young ruler who came to Jesus wanting to know what he must do to enter into Heaven. Jesus told him to keep God's commandments, and he answered that he had always done those things. "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me." But the young man possessed much and could not bear to give it all up. What a lost opportunity!

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17). 

You can see different responses to Jesus here. People still give different responses today. Jesus calls us all to come to Him. Some eagerly go to the Savior, some pretend to go or give a half-hearted effort while still holding onto worldly values, and some reject Him without pretense. Examine your heart. If you don't wholly belong to Christ, then you still need to come, but it isn't too late. Answer His call today.

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