An Invitation!

When we have received an invitation we have the choice to either accept or reject that invitation. However, those are not the only two choices associated with an invitation. We also have the choice regarding how long we will remain. Perhaps we would choose to depart at some point because we no longer enjoyed the company. Maybe such a choice would be based on not liking the activities going on. Or could one possibly develop a lack of appreciation for the host who had offered the invitation?

When Peter and the other disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water, Peter received an invitation. We read. . .
"(28) And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' (29) HE SAID, 'COME.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' (31) Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' (32) And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased." ( Matthew 14:28-32 ESV)

Peter accepted the Lord's invitation to "come", and according to the Scriptures Peter -- who as a fisherman and would have had a healthy respect for stormy seas -- "got out of the boat and WALKED on the water." But for how long? How far did he go? When Peter's FOCUS SHIFTED AWAY FROM JESUS, he began to sink. Recognizing his situation, Peter at least knew to Whom he needed to call for help. Yes, Peter was still growing in his faith. Aren't we all?

Consider our own WALK to and with Jesus. He has invited us all to come. (note the sweet invitation of Matthew 11:28-30) We may eagerly accept Jesus' invitation to come to Him, but for how long? Like Peter, it will depend on WHERE OUR FOCUS REMAINS! If we allow the things of this world to distract us we can soon find ourselves drifting away from the Lord and sinking into the world's ways. Our FOCUS needs to remain FIXED ON HIM (note Hebrews 12:2) and His Will!

May Jesus continue to be appreciated for the wonderful and gracious host He is. Let us also recognize there can be no better or more satisfying activities than those in which He has chosen to lead us. And because of our FOCUS ON HIM, being in the company of other believers should become sweeter and sweeter as well. In our decision to "come" to Jesus, let us surrender to remain to the end of life's way as we trust Him to take us on into a glorious eternity with Him. We can trust Him to keep our lives afloat.

Have a great day KEEPING THE EYES ON JESUS!
Carl

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