Swing Wide the Gates
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Isaiah 55:1-3
Friends,
I am still getting the confetti out of my hair.
My daughter discovered cascarones, and apparently, she is an artist, and I am her canvas. It is Fiesta season in San Antonio, and our church’s pre-school had a celebration this week. There was face painting, games, and snow cones. It was great fun. In the midst of the celebration, I looked over, and against the fence were students of Locke Hill Elementary who had come out to recess. Sources close to me confirm that recess remains popular with elementary school kids, but it pales in the light of a Fiesta-themed festival. I knew we couldn’t open the gate, but I sure wanted to–I wanted to swing it wide open and tell the kids and teachers to come on and join the party.
The moment left me pondering all the fences we build between ourselves and others, and the party God desires us to join. Listen carefully, incline your ear; God has the best prepared. Taste the rich food, and quench your thirst, and be sure to invite others and open wide the gates because everyone is invited to this party.
Blessings,
Pastor Ben