I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn't be the right place. After
all, I couldn't possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation
several times, by several different people, and I had finally decided to
see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn't be the right
place. Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my
hand. I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required,"
and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place.
I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces
seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments
and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.
Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in
stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me
and I couldn't shake the grime that clung to my body.
As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap
out at me..."Come as you are. No jacket required." I decided to give it
a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door
to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. "Your
name, sir?" he asked me with a smile. "Jimmy D. Brown," I mumbled without
looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their
stains.
He didn't seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued,
"Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be
seated?" I couldn't believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and
I said, "Yes, of course!"
He lead me to a table, and sure enough, there was a place-card with my
name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw
many delightful items listed. There were things like, "peace," "joy," "blessings,"
"confidence," "assurance," "hope," "love," "faith," and "mercy." I realized
that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front
in order to see where I was at... "God's Grace," was the name of this place.
The man returned and said, "I recommend the 'Special of the Day'. With
it you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu." You've
got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this?!
"What is the 'Special of the Day'?" I asked with excitement ringing in
my voice. "Salvation," was his reply.
"I'll take it," I practically cried out. Then, as quickly as I made that
statement, the joy left my body. A sick painful ache jerked through my
stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said... "Mister, look
at me. I'm dirty and nasty. I am unclean and unworthy of such things. I'd
love to have all of this, but, but, I just can't afford it."
Undaunted, the man smiled again. "Sir, your check has already been taken
care of by that Gentleman over there," he said as he pointed to the front
of the room. "His name is Jesus." Turning, I saw a man whose very presence
seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself
walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, "Sir, I'll wash
the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I'll do anything
I can do to repay You for all this."
He opened His arms and said with a smile, "Son, all of this is yours if
you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to allow
you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved
in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you." Astonished,
I fell at his feet and said, "Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please
change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life." Immediately,
I heard the words, "It is finished."
I looked down and white robes adorned my body. Something strange and wonderful
had happened. I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself
seated at His table. "The 'Special of the Day' has been served," The Lord
said to me. "Salvation is yours."
We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent
with Him. He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come
back as often as I liked for another helping from God's Grace. He made
it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible.
As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the "real world,"
He whispered to me softly, "And Lo, I am with you always." And then, He
said something to me that I will never forget. He said... "My child, do
you see these empty tables?" "Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?"
I replied.
"These are reserved tables...but the individuals whose names are on each
place-card have not accepted their invitation yet. Would you be so kind
as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us as yet?"
Jesus asked. "Of course," I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations.
"Go ye therefore into all nations." He said as I turned to leave.
I walked into God's Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness
as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man...robed
in white, His righteousness. And so, I'll keep my promise to my Lord. I'll
go. I'll spread the Word.
I'll share the Gospel... I'll hand out the invitations. And I'll start
with you. Have you been to God's Grace? There's a table reserved in your
name, and here's your invitation... "Come as you are. No jacket required."
- Author Unknown -
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