Invite

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV)

Depending on where they started in the East, the Magi may have traveled thousands of miles and taken months or even years to get to Jerusalem.  This was not some quick little road trip they went on.  They had to want to go.  They came packing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They knew the trip was worth their while.

I love the fact that God didn't send an angel to speak with them.  Angelic beings wouldn't have been that impressive to Magi.  God didn't send an Israelite prophet to tell them all the things they were doing wrong.  That wouldn't have motivated them to take the trip either.  No, God met them right where they were.  God sent them a star.  They always watched the stars.  They "read" the stars.  This was the way to invite them...and it worked.

They first decided to go on this trip because a star showed up in the sky that they weren't used to seeing there.  It got their attention.  I'm not sure what kind of ancient writings or scrolls they had to look up, but they knew upon their arrival that they were looking for the king of the Jews.  They were on their way to meet Jesus.

Do you know anyone who is standing on the fringes, maybe just checking things out with God?  Do you know that God wants to invite them to come home?  Do you know that God is sending you as His ambassador?  It's time for you to invite them to church services, small groups, or ministry teams.  Remember that God is really the one doing the inviting.  God is just working through you.  Pray for the people God has placed on your heart.  Invite them.  You just may make an eternal difference in someone's life.  Isn't it time to invite?