Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Gathering Monday, December 2, 2013 Matthew 8:11 Jesus says, "Many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven." In this chapter of the Bible there are eight stories of the life Jesus led, as he touched one then another, loved one then another, healed one then another. In twenty-four hours, Jesus spent time with a leper, a Roman centurion, a mother-in-law, crowds of demonized and sick, a teacher of the law, an earnest follower, his panic-stricken sailor-disciples, and two demonized men living in a country where pigs, forbidden to Israelites, were being raised. In every case he left these people healed or chastened, but always loved. Who is this incredibly powerful, non-violent man who invites everyone to the banquet of God? Will I come to eat the food he offers? Who am I to say no? Jesus lives the words of Isaiah: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost" (Isaiah 55). Jesus invites me today into his kingdom. He brings peace, justice and love, always and forever the dream of God for His world. And I want to say, "Yes!" In your wake, Jesus, love flows like a river. Peace flows like a river. Justice flows like a river that will not be stopped. Rush into the river, you say, and swim. Jump around and laugh as hard as you can. Fall down and get up again. Get completely wet, and drink the water that will forever slake your thirst. Come. Now. Come. "; Add      Edit    Delete