' without '

“Come, without cost” how often will we ever get an invitation like that... few if ever, so often there are strings attached, or an agenda set, or stipulations or expectations of something more, or in exchange for reciprocation... and in our Scripture readings today... we find an invitation to come... to share in the greatness and goodness of our God, without exception or expectation, that through Christ, we now have the Holy Spirit to guide is in all truth, so that none would ever be lost for ever, and finally finding there is always enough, that none be without... The first reading today shares with us an invitation, to come participate without cost... take what you need, for there is nothing we can do that will satisfy or come close to repaying for it... ever... and still so many will tell you over and over again, you must do this, or you must do that to be in relationship with God... can you not hear the Scriptures for yourselves, why would you allow anyone to place any cost for your Salvation on you – not our place, not theirs either... here we find one of several everlasting covenants, a covenant of peace. “Incline your ear, and come to ME... listen that you may live”, what an invitation to a loving relationship with God... so who are we willing to listen to? Let no one deceive you... God has entrusted us - you and I - with the very living Word of God, and the Holy Spirit gives each of us understanding in God's time, not ours, are we faithfully seeking out God or others, are we accepting the characteristics of our God's gracious and merciful nature, or are we stopping others from seeking truth, wisdom, understanding that only God can give us... our focus must be on God and Trust in the Truth that God desires to help and is able to do so... So are we speaking the Truth in Christ or are we leading others astray by our words, or deeds. Our conscience either confirms or convicts us, by the power of the Holy Spirit that has been given each of us through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross for each and everyone of us... The Holy Spirit convicts us or it does not – if it does not then allow no one else to either... here is the catch... whatever their complaint - it very well could apply to them... if they (others) see in you something they believe needs correction, most likely it is something in them that needs the work and not you... however, God does indeed send others to help us on our own journey's so always be open and receptive to what others say, but do not let them convict you of something that simply just doesn't apply... the Holy Spirit, will either confirm or convict us, and help guide us in all righteousness... and finally we see that Christ escapes danger, and in doing so, finds opportunity for Ministry, Compassion motivates His Ministry, what motivates us - ourselves or Christ... in 14:15 the place is deserted, a wilderness, a place of liberation in which God feeds the people – in feeding the hungry. Jesus models a task for disciples, then and now... “feed my people” however without Christ many continue to hunger, search and seek for something, anything that will satisfy their hunger, let us never be found without Christ - through Christ, there will always be enough, we will always be supplied with all that is needed to do the work set before us, “Jesus said, they need not go away; you given them something to eat” and so all ate and were filled... just as we gather together each week for our Spiritual nourishment... there are those who do not... share the overflow of what God has enlightened your life with – with others, without, expectations or exceptions... Without Christ, we do nothing from nothing... so come, see and hear for yourself. 'you give them something' let us always be found radiating the Love of Christ in us, so much so that others see and feel the Love of Christ embracing them, drawing them closer and closer to a relationship of Love with and for God and each other... without expectations, or exceptions and just as freely as it has been given us... without cost...
AMEN...
Rev. Terry J. McGuire