Whosoever Will
/"The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus walking along he said, 'Look! The Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, 'What are you looking for?' They said, 'Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?' He replied, 'Come and see. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon." (John 1:35-39)
Scripture is filled with articulations of God’s invitation. The same Jesus who invited the two followers to “come and see” in the first chapter of John, also invited all who are weary and burdened to come to him in Matthew 11.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The Psalmist invites us to “Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!” (Psalm 66:5) And in the book of Revelation "the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life." (Revelation 22:17)
The King James Version uses the words “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Those of us who grew up singing the old hymns of the church hear the phrase “whosoever will” and immediately begin humming an old tune. This hymn celebrates the feast God has prepared and beautifully articulates God’s lavish invitation.
“All things are ready,” come to the feast!
Come for the table now is spread;
Ye famishing, ye weary, come,
And thou shalt be richly fed.
Hear the invitation,
Come, whosoever will;
Praise God for full salvation
For whosoever will.
“All things are ready,” come to the feast!
Come, for the door is open wide;
A place of honor is reserved
For you at the Master’s side.
Hear the invitation,
Come, whosoever will;
Praise God for full salvation
For whosoever will.
Throughout history the church has debated exactly who is invited to the table, but the witness of scripture shows that God’s invitation is extended to whosoever will come. Anyone, absolutely anyone, is invited to the table of the Lord. God asks for nothing more than the willingness to come.
As we surround this table every week, we remember, we celebrate, and we extend the Lord’s invitation.
Taste and see that the Lord is good!
This communion meditation was shared by Amy Bost Henegar on August 16, 2016 at the Manhattan Church of Christ.