You’re Invited

One of the most expensive wedding invitations ever sent came from former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Jennifer Conrad. Guests received an iPad in the mail that was programmed to give details about the ceremony. The unusual invites cost them $20 million.

Today’s text contains both an invitation and a request. The first “Come!” is actually in response to Christ’s statement in verse 12, “Behold, I am coming quickly.” The Spirit, who empowers us to live holy lives, and the bride, God’s people, long for Jesus to come and so reply, “Yes, please come!”

But this longing turns into an invitation for others to join the joyful union of Christ and His people, in a bond formed by their salvation that will never be broken. “And let him who hears” is anyone who reads the message of Revelation and responds; they are from “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).

“And let him who thirsts come” reminds us of an invitation God made to Israel: “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat” (Isaiah 55:1). The invitation in today’s verse is to “him who thirsts”—that is, those who genuinely desire to follow God. To them, Christ’s promise is fulfilled: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

“Whoever desires,” John writes, “let him take the water of life freely.” Though the offer to receive is freely given, the recipient must “take” it. And the conditions for accepting the gift of salvation are to recognize one’s need and to repent (Revelation 2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19) before the Lamb of God who “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

The invitation to receive the gift of salvation is freely given, but it also cost the price of heaven’s most precious gift—the blood of Jesus Christ.

Dear God, thank you for Jesus, who released us from our fears and sins; let us find our rest in Him.

For Further Study: Matthew 7:24; John 7:37; Revelation 21:6

Key Bible Texts

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17 KJV)