"He's Extending An Invitation to You"

Scripture: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." -Isaiah 1:18, NIV

Most of us spend time with family and friends whether it's after church, someone's birthday/anniversary party, someone's wedding/baby shower, someone's bachelor's party, or anything else. Usually these things occur because some planning (impromptu or not) took place and an invitation was extended. On yesterday afternoon, my wife and I extended an invitation to some members from our church to fellowship with us over lunch and then visit our home and play some Wii. Because we extended the invitation, they gladly accepted, had an enjoyable lunch, enjoyed the time playing Wii, and the rest they say is history. As we think about this thing spiritually, God extends to us all, an invitation. The invitation is for us to be one with Him, to sup with Him, to praise Him, to worship Him, to read His Word, and do other things. Today's text provides more light on why He extends an invitation to you.

This week's devotionals begin with the book of Isaiah. This book was written by the major prophet Isaiah. His 66 chaptered book is the longest book of the Major Prophets of the Old Testament. Within this introductory chapter, Isaiah tackles such subjects like corruptions prevailing over the Jews (verses 1 - 9) and exhortations to repentance (verses 16 - 20). Today's main scripture falls under the latter mentioned subject.

As we begin to examine the main scripture, how can we tell God is extending an invitation to you and me? The beginning of the text answers this question. God says through Isaiah this: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD". What a profound statement! In the days of the Old Testament, it was God's way or the highway and yet in still, He has provided His people an opportunity to reason with Him. Just like them in those days, He is providing you that same opportunity on today! He is providing an opportunity for you and I to talk with Him, admit our faults, cry in His bosom, and let Him how much we need Him! How much we love Him! How much we care about Him! How much we adore Him! How much He means to me! In order to give Him this love, honor, glory, and respect, He just wants to reason with you! Why does He want to reason with you?

The conclusion of this text gives us illumination. The text concludes by saying, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool". Brothers and sisters, no matter how big or small you think the sin is within you, God will wipe it out! Though it's red, His love will make white as snow. Though your sins may leave you in a crimson mask spiritually, He will make them as wool. He extends the invitation to you so you can tell Him about the fornication! He wants to hear about the financial mishaps! He wants to hear about the pains you experienced in the past! He wants to hear about how you need help with relationships! He wants to hear about your emotional mishaps! He wants to hear these things so He can wipe your slate clean! All of these things cannot take place unless you accept His invitation!

In closing, we will never get to know people unless we get to know them and invite them to hang with us. You never know, you may find a friend that sticks closer than a brother or sister! In the meantime, there's someone who wants to hear all of your pain, agony, and blues! He wants to console you and give you a clean slate! His name is God through the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Holy Spirit! Will you accept His invitation to reason together?