AM I IN THE RIGHT PLACE???, I Thought...
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 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
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.
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 placard 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'm unclean and unworthy of such things.
I'd love to have all of this, 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 pointing 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 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 of 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 take away the stains and it is done.
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 seat 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
squeaky clean 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 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 Daniel, 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
through out this room?"
"Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?"
I replied.
"These are reserved tables. but the
individuals whose names are on each
placards have not accepted their invitations to
dine. Would you be so kind as to hand out these
invitations to those who have not joined us 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.
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."
This maybe was written by
"Daniel F. Renken," (not sure jimmy )
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Midi: "Voices in the Wind"
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