Shepherds & Sheep: Who’s Invited & Who’s Inviting

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen – Revelation 22:17-21 [ESV]

Diane and I presented Being an Obedient Follower to the staff of St. John’s Early Childhood Center. We were well received and very encouraged by the participation of all who were there. Part of that teaching had to do with the idea that everyone looks like a sheep from the front and like a shepherd from behind. In other words, we are all being led, and we all lead others. Others are following us. Being an obedient follower means that we are also leading others to be obedient followers of Jesus. 

Take a look at the opening words of this passage. The Holy Spirit is inviting people to come and receive the water of life. So is the Bride of Christ (the Church). And so are the ones who hear this invitation. They, too, are inviting others to come and take the water of life without price. 

I’ve actually heard people say that they don’t want to witness because they’re afraid they’ll say the wrong thing. Truth is, not saying anything is the wrong thing to say. Failing to give witness to Jesus’ love, faithfulness, grace, and salvation is not saying the right thing. It’s like the old FedEx commercial: FedEx is so easy that even a CEO can do it. Witnessing to Jesus’ grace and truth is like one beggar telling another where to find bread. Even the one first hearing the invitation can share it with others. 

Most of us are more thirsty than we realize. We’re too often sated by things that are not healthy or truly satisfying. We think we’re full because we stuff our souls with spiritual junk food, empty gratifications, or fleeting pleasures. But God offers true refreshment, the water of life. And this water is priceless, and freely offered.

“All the prophets of the Bible, all the apostles of the Bible, all the threatenings of the Bible, all the promises of the Bible, gather themselves up, and focus themselves into this one burning ray, ‘Come to Jesus. Come, and take the water of life freely.’” (Spurgeon)

Have you heard this invitation? Heed it. Invite others to join you as you come to Jesus and receive his free gift of the water of life.