By Brother Tom Albin
Words of Encouragement: UCAI, July 14, 2024
For many, summer is a time for family events, vacations and travel. There are no more wonderful words than “Would you like to come with us ….?” To be invited, included, wanted, valued—this is the joy of being a family.
In the 2024 UCAI Book of the Year, The Reconstruction of the Church, E. Stanley Jones writes:
And when we say “Come” we are not alone—two others say “Come,” the Spirit and the Bride.” The Spirit says “Come” in every person. For everyone is built by our very nature to receive this redemption. We are made by Christ and for Christ and when we find him, we find ourselves. He is our homeland. And all coming to him has the feeling of a homecoming on it. All going away from him has the feeling of estrangement upon it. When we find him, we find ourselves. When we know him, we know ourselves. When we live with him, we can live with ourselves. And vice versa, when we won’t live with him, we can’t live with ourselves.
So the Holy Spirit is whispering in very person: “Come.” We have an ally in everyone’s heart who has already been saying, “Come,” before we say our “Come.” (pp.176-177, based on
Revelation 22:17)
As you read this today, I invite you to do two things:
First, listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit inviting you to “Come to Jesus” with your whole heart. Come as you are—with all your strengths and your weaknesses—with Jesus, you can do all things.
Second, invite someone else to “Come.” There is someone in your circle of friends, family and acquaintances who is waiting for an invitation to “Come” to be with you and with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is already whispering in his or her heart. All that is lacking is someone like you to invite them to join you on the journey that leads to life—eternal life.
Prayer: Jesus, here I am and here I come. I want to walk with you today. AND, Jesus, if you will guide me, I will invite someone else to come with us—on this journey that is eternal life in your Kingdom. Amen.