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Won't You Come

Won’t – it’s the contraction for “will not”.  It’s often used as in “I won’t do it.”  The shortened, emphatic version is “I won’t!”

But it can also be used as a question that suggests longing or desire or anticipation, such as “won’t you join me?” 

There is a profound question that starts with the word “won’t” and longing and desire and anticipation are deeply embedded in the context.  While the exact words of the question may not appear in the passages below, they are yet at its core and the answer to the question is life changing.   

Won’t you come?  This had been asked through the ages by God as an invitation for us to come to Him:  “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”  (James 4:8)

Won’t you come?  This had been longingly asked by people who were waiting for the promised Messiah:  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”  (Isaiah 9:6-8)

Won’t you come?  This was asked by an angel as an invitation to a bunch of shepherds to come and see the Savior who was born that day in Bethlehem:  “And they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:16-17).    

Won’t you come?  This was asked by the Messiah when He physically dwelt among his people:  “Jesus said to them, ‘“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.’” (John 6:35-36)

Won’t you come?  This was asked by people as they insisted that Jesus come to them on their own terms:  “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  (1 Cor 1:22-24)

Won’t you come?  This was asked by Jesus to clarify on whose terms we come: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  (John 14:6)

Won’t you come?  This was and is asked by Jesus to to all those who are weary and need rest:  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest.” (Matt 11:28).  

Won’t you come?  This has been asked by believers ever since Christ came and dwelt among us and promised to return again.  His answer is reassuring:  “Surely I am coming soon.”  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!”  (Rev 22:20). 

These three words, as a question, are for all of us. May they resonate with you but more importantly, may the answer be life changing!

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