The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)
After spending twenty-five years as a golf instructor, I have accumulated numerous stories of how the Lord has spoken to me through the game of golf on the lesson tee. One recurring theme He has emphasized time and again is the apprehensions experienced by those who are new to the game.
Nearly all new students, regardless of age, harbor some apprehension about their first golf lesson. Some worry they won’t even manage to get the ball off the ground, while others become overly technical about getting everything exactly right.
I always reassure my first timers to simply come as they are. Bring whatever equipment you have, dress comfortably, and just show up. Often, I can sense the relief in their eyes when I assure them that the first golf lesson experience is easy and enjoyable and that before they know it, they’ll grasp the fundamentals of the game.
I even have some of them start by playing just a hundred yards in with only four clubs before letting them tee off with a full bag. Becoming acquainted with anything in life requires taking small steps.
The same principle applies to our faith and trust in Christ. Jesus doesn’t expect us to know how to be a Christian when we first come to Him. Nor does He expect us to clean ourselves up or unload our own sinful baggage before approaching Him.
All He asks of us is to come! Revelation 22:17 states, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
We can come to Him at any time and in any circumstance, even in the midst of sin. He has seen us at our lowest and our highest. Whether we are tired, weary, thirsty in our faith, joyful, thankful, troubled, distressed, or grieving, Jesus simply says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
As you approach Him just as you are, He will gradually chip away at the flesh, revealing your new creation as a person over time. It unfolds much like a golf lesson—one swing at a time.
If you’re hesitant about approaching the Lord, don’t be. Listen to the proclamation of the Prophet Joel as he declares, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Joel 2:32)! That time is now, as we hear Jesus beckoning us in this generation, saying, “COME”!
And if there’s still trembling in your knees due to fear and apprehension, remember that all have fallen short of the glory of God. Just like every golfer has shanked the ball, we have all been shankers!
Yet, the Apostle Paul encourages us with these words, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). So come as you are, boldly before the throne of God, and experience His grace and mercy and allow it to flood your soul. He will guide and direct your every step (as our Master Instructor) when you simply come to Him. He has you in His grip. So come as you are.
Prayer: “Lord, we come to you!”