THE INVITATION

The following words of Jesus are so profound that an entire book, or even a library of books, could not exhaust their meaning. C H Spurgeon delivered at least twelve sermons on this passage yet said that one could not preach 'too often' the precious truths found therein ... 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

There are few texts more touching in all of Scripture, few that contain a so wide and sweeping invitation, few that hold out such a wonderfully tendered promise. 

Spurgeon - Superficially read, it has cheered and encouraged tens of thousands, but there is a wealth in it which the diligent digger and miner shall alone discover. Its shallows are cool and refreshing, but in its depths are pearls for which we hope to dive.

Note that you are invited to ... 

1. Come - Jesus did not say come to a church, a creed, a preacher, a denomination, or anything other than Him alone ... to the vital, dynamic, radical relationship with the Living Lord. It is not a 'do this' or 'don't do that' directive, but a simple 'Come'. 

2. Take - Christ's yoke is a call to submit 'your' will to 'His' good, acceptable, and perfect will; a surrender of your rights and all that you are to Him. Note that Jesus never asks you to work 'for' Him ... but in conjunction 'with' Him. 

3. Learn - This speaks of discipleship. Study the Bible as 'His Voice of Inspiration' and apply it to your walk of faith. It is the very foundation upon which your sanctification is built. Don't bring preconceived notions or human reasoning to the table of learning. 

These three commands call for action on your part. Remember ... 'unconditional surrender' means that you must yield all power, control, and possession to your Lord and Savior. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

The Invitation stands until the 'Day of the Lord' ... and according to prophecy, the hour is at hand.