December 24 , 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come." (Revelation 22:17)

In the Old Testament, Isaiah had a vision of Zion, God's people who represent His kingdom and its ways. In the New Testament, John had a similar vision of the New Jerusalem, the New Israel which is the Church, coming down out of heaven, that is, perfectly resembling it. Its gates were open continually, never closed day or night. No unrighteous person was able to enter it. Still the Spirit and the Bride invite all people, excluding no one, to come and enter. Everyone who thirsts and wishes to drink of the water of life for free is welcome.

One with the Spirit of God, we as the Church are supposed to be ushers who are eager and ready to welcome people into His kingdom, not hostile immigration officers who look for reasons to deny entry. Christ accepted us and showed us how to get in. We should extend that courtesy to others.