Jesus Says Come
Jesus often used the word come, “Come unto me all who are heavy laden, come follow me, come you blessed of my Father, come be with me.” God wants to be with us. He promised to be with us, “Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.” The Father sent His Son Jesus to be with us. He promises to dwell within us with His Holy Spirit.
God has gone to extraordinary lengths to be with us. It all began like this---God created our universe, and on the final day stood back and said, “That is good! Now, let us make mankind. Let’s make him like us, in our image.” (Genesis 1:26) Then God turned His attention to spending time with His creation---His children, us.
Austin Miles got it right. God wants to walk with me, talk with me, and assure me I am His child. The presence of the Spirit of Jesus within changes humankind. Realizing their need for a better life, people turn over a new leaf, write resolutions, and determine to become better people. But those are outward changes---commendable, but inadequate.
In a small town years ago, people were regularly getting sick; some even died. It was determined the town well was the source of the problem. The water was contaminated. While searching for a solution in a community meeting, someone suggested they paint the pump. Humanity’s problems are not on the outside of us but inside us.
In Biblical days, the City of Corinth was one of the most wicked in the known world. Their city’s life centered around the immoral goddess of love. A seaport city, their wickedness was known abroad and enticed sin seekers from everywhere. When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he said, “Once you were wicked like everyone else. But now you have become children of God.” Nothing could have accomplished this change but the presence of Jesus within them. Jesus invites us to come to Him for new life, everlasting life.
We began this column by noting how often Jesus said, “Come.” You may have thought, “Yes, but He also said, “Go.” True, but He never said, “Go away.”
