“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.” – Psalm 66:5
The scriptures are filled with examples of invitation. The invitation is “Come and see” what God has done. This invitation is also “Come and see” what God is doing. This invitation language is found in both the Old and New Testament. When we answer the invitation to come and see, our lives are changed. When we invite others, we have the potential to change their life with the love and hope of God.
I was in 7th grade when a friend invited me to an event that transformed my life. One Sunday morning, just as worship was finishing, Lisa made her way across the sanctuary and invited me to attend the youth program that night. I accepted her invitation, not knowing a single thing about the youth ministry. When I arrived that night, I was excited to find people playing football. I joined in immediately. I met several people that night that would become my closest friends to this day. I enjoyed the games, the study, and worship that night. I had such a nice time that evening. I made sure I came back the next week.
It was only three years later that God called me into ministry. Through that youth ministry, I grew to become a person who was able to hear and discern the call of God in my life. Lisa probably did not think her invitation was any special feat. It turns out that simple invitation was life changing.
The gift of God is that we all have a place to belong. Not all people have heard this good news. God could use you to make a difference in someone’s life. This simple invitation, “Come and see,” might be all that your neighbor, your coworker, your family, need to find the church where they belong. Invite someone to worship, to a Bible study, or your Sunday school class. Your invitation could change a life.
– Keith King, Pastor of Worship
