“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
– Matthew 14:28-29
What is it about our nature, our fleshy, imperfect, human entrapment that so wants to be pursued? To be invited? Included? Just simply asked?
We want to know we matter. That someone else wants us. That we are seen and not just taking up space.
In a boat, amidst the menacing waves of a storm, Peter and the other disciples look to see Jesus walking towards them – on the water.
Admittedly, not something we see every day but…God.
The same man who would eventually deny him three times displayed his incredulity even back then. He felt the need to test and Jesus responded with one word.
Come.
Come to me all you who are weary. Come all you who are thirsty. Come and you will see. Come, follow me.
Come.
The pursuit of us is a constant, an invitation so open that a guest list doesn’t even exist because every name is on it.
He wants us. Passionately.
And once we realize we are invited and we R.S.V.P with a “yes”, we begin to have the courage to get out of the boat.
It’s the ultimate open invitation.
Of course, I’ve got all my sisters and me today with Jen at Finding Heaven for Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood…
Baffled by how to do chores with your little people? Marci at Overcoming Busy is hosting a “chore link-up” today – head on over for some good ideas!
Want a wonderful idea of how to teach children to blend colors (make new ones from the primaries, etc.)? AND…Did you know Crayola makes Color Bath Dropz that color your child’s bath water? Seriously. My kids would be in hog-heaven. Head on over to visit Cheryl at Somewhat Crunchy Mama to check this out!
I needed to read this today. I have been struggling with some things (the word Chosen comes to mind) and I am, with His help, trying to figure some things in this weary heart out.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder sweet friend.
<3
As always, your words speak to me. I love the visual of saying yes to Him and the courage comes.
An open invitation…even when we are SO like Peter…impulsive, foolish, sinking from lack of faith…Amen!!
I love that. The ultimate open invitation. So beautiful. Thanks for the reminder.
I love that it is “Come.” With a period at the end. So often in our worldly invitations it is Come and…Some sort of requirement, obligation, chore. And, yet, often Jesus asks us to just Come. Just to be. Just to be loved.
Hi Natalie,
I love your writing and visit as often as I can. Thanks for sharing! “Come.” I will hide that in my heart and ponder it.
Also, loved the picture! Reminds me of my husband and son – so sweet.
Jenny
Thanks, Jenny! Disclaimer: The man in this photo is the husband of my cousin, so I guess that makes him my cousin-in-law? I just felt I had to clarify. I don’t know why…:)
Your words are so kind. Thank you.
this was perfect for me today, natalie…thank you…He ever pursues us and I forget b/c I don’t feel it from the ones I want to…oooohhh mercy;)
and did you get the e-mail I sent you about your last post (i think) on this passage? the one where you shared what Jen had sent you?
It’s great to be reminded that he’s always waiting with open arms.
I must agree with the first comment, I have been struggling with the word “chosen” lately as well..
this helps.
He isn’t just happy to see us, he “wants us passionately”. That’s crazy, to really stop and think just how important we are to Him.
Courage — that’s exactly what I need right now. Thanks for finding just the right angle to put me back on my path. :)
While reading your post, all I could hear in my mind is the song “All Who are Thirsty”. He does call us to come. Thank you for sharing this my friend.
I love thinking about how it is so simple – Come. That’s it! Thank you.
I love that He is the one chasing after us. But, oh how many people wonder where He is. Waiting for us to return to Him. That’s where!
Passonately. There are things I want–but not enough to really go after them. So thankful to know Jesus wants me passonately. Passionately enough to pursue me. What a picture that paints in my mind.