Come and See

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:35-42

The love of God is always invitation. God's love is always welcome, and room made for strangers. The disciples were curious, and Jesus invited them in. We have often known people of faith who shut others out. We have seen the consequences of forcing faith on others. God's love is something we can share, never something we can control. God loves us before we can even understand what love is. And when we do understand, we can share God's love by welcome and a seat at the table.

Creator, you welcome all of us home

you love us completely in our brokenness

you mend us and weave us together

and you make a space for us with you.

We often set up walls and rules

shunning those who cannot believe

yet you see them also as you children

and love them as you love all of us.

Help us today to live lives of welcome

help us to be humble and among the people

let us invite, welcome and make room

as you have welcomed us into your home. Amen.