Introduction
Jesus is walking on the water. When Peter sees Him, he calls out, asking if he too may come. Jesus answers with a single word: “Come.” In faith, Peter steps out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward his Lord. (Matthew 14:26, 29)
That same invitation still echoes today. Jesus continues to call His people, saying, “Come.” He calls us to trust Him beyond the limits of human understanding, to walk on water, to believe that through Him the impossible becomes possible. Even if we do not know if we will sink or walk, when Christ says, “Come,” our response should never be hesitation or refusal. His call demands immediate obedience, even when the path ahead appears uncertain and the risks seem overwhelming.
Like Peter, we may falter. We may take our eyes off the Lord and begin to sink beneath the waves of fear, doubt, or circumstance. Yet even then, Christ remains faithful. He reaches down, lifts us up, and enables us to continue walking with Him. Failure is not the end for those who trust in Him; it is often part of learning to depend upon His strength.
This is no ordinary journey. It is an impossible calling that should never be taken lightly. It is a divine mystery, a summons into the unknown. We rarely know where His invitation will lead. Abraham was called to go out, not knowing where he was going, yet he obeyed because he trusted the One who called him. So it is with us.
Jesus leads His followers into mysteries, adventures, and purposes beyond anything they could imagine. The path is exciting, yet often filled with challenges. It contains dangers, sacrifices, and trials, but also rewards beyond measure. Many have missed this extraordinary journey by remaining in the safety of the boat. They fear taking that first step. They fear putting their whole trust in their creator. Yet those who choose to follow Christ wherever He leads discover a life of abundance—a life that God uses to touch the world in ways they never thought possible.
So when Jesus says, “Come,” let us answer as faithful disciples. Let us step out in faith, fix our eyes upon Him, and follow wherever He leads. As we turn the next few pages, let us walk with Him and explore the profound significance of His invitation and the life-changing challenge contained in that simple yet powerful word: “Come.”
Looking Back
We are often told never to look back, and always to look forward. There is wisdom in that counsel, for we cannot live in the past any more than we can live in the future. Yet looking back is not always a mistake. When viewed through the lens of God’s grace, the past can become a source of wisdom, instruction, and encouragement.
The lessons of yesterday help us avoid the pitfalls of today and the dangers of tomorrow. This is why we study history—to learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us, and to avoid repeating the same errors. In the same way, reflecting on our own journey can reveal both the consequences of our choices and the faithfulness of God throughout every season of life.
When I look back, I do not merely see mistakes or missed opportunities. I see the countless blessings of God and the rewards that followed each time I answered His invitation to “Come.” I see His guidance in moments of uncertainty, His provision in times of need, and His mercy when I stumbled.
Our past is more than a collection of memories; it is our testimony. When surrendered to God and viewed with gratitude, it becomes a powerful witness to His faithfulness. The story of what God has done in our lives can inspire others to persevere through hardship, strengthen those who are struggling, and encourage them to trust the One who never fails. Looking back with thanksgiving can give us the confidence to move forward with faith.
Another “Come”
There is another call to “Come”—one that is alluring, attractive, and deceptively appealing. It promises well-being, pleasure, fulfillment, and joy forevermore. This is what I often refer to as “The Beautiful Side of Evil,” a subject I have explored in several of my blogs. https://www.perryzone.com/2023/08/08/the-beautiful-side-of-evil/
Evil is not always ugly or easily recognized. Often, it appears beautiful, desirable, and even beneficial. It offers immediate gratification, power, recognition, glory, and the fulfillment of every earthly desire. Yet all of this rests upon a dangerous assumption—that we know what is best for ourselves and what will truly satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts.
The truth is that we do not know what is best for us.
Apart from God, our understanding is limited and our hearts are easily deceived. What appears to be a path of fulfillment often becomes a pit of darkness from which recovery is difficult. Many who fall into it eventually lose hope, believing that all is lost. Resignation replaces repentance, acceptance replaces conviction, and hope begins to fade.
Every one of us will hear this seductive call. None are exempt, for none of us are perfect. Its source is evil, and its purpose is destruction. Therefore, we must learn to discern its voice and refuse its invitation. Left unchecked, it can devastate not only our present lives but also our eternal souls.
Scripture tells us that the truth will set us free (John 8:32), and it also reveals that there is only one way to that truth—Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Therefore, we must continually seek Him, draw near to Him, and abide in Him. In these troubled times, He alone provides the protection, wisdom, and security our souls require.
To know Christ is to obey Him. To obey Him is to serve Him. And to serve Him is to answer His call—the true and life-giving call of “Come.”
His invitation does not lead to bondage, disappointment, or destruction. It leads to forgiveness, freedom, restoration, and eternal life. The question before every soul is simple: Which call will we answer?
Wait Patiently
Throughout history, every great outpouring of the Holy Spirit has eventually seemed to wane. Pentecost began with extraordinary power, as did many revivals and spiritual awakenings that followed. Yet over time, the fervor often fades. I believe one reason is that mankind gradually loses its passion for the coming of the Lord. Personal desires, selfish ambitions, and sin begin to occupy hearts, and the cry of “Come, Lord Jesus” is heard less and less—seldom outside the Church and, sadly, often rarely within it.
In His mercy, God periodically raises up men and women who call His people back to obedience, reverence, and repentance. For a season, hearts are stirred and lives are transformed. Yet the pattern often repeats itself. We find ourselves searching for another movement, another leader, another revival, another outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We long for the final and greatest awakening, and after years of waiting, some simply grow weary. They tire of watching. They tire of hoping.
I do not know about you, but patience has never been one of my strongest virtues. Yet I have learned that waiting is often God’s appointed path. Here lies our dilemma—and perhaps yours as well: we must not allow the lamp of God to grow dim. This is the true test of patience: to wait, and keep waiting, while remaining faithful until fruit appears.
We cannot allow God’s light within us to weaken. Rather, it should grow brighter with each passing day. The only way this can happen is by continually spending time in the presence of our Creator and Lord. When Moses ascended the mountain to commune with God, he returned with a radiance so brilliant that he covered his face. The glory others saw was not Moses’ own—it was the result of being in the presence of God.
This is the calling of every believer. It is a call into God’s presence. His presence must become so evident in our lives that others cannot help but notice. The Shekinah Glory of God is not merely about shining; the word itself carries the idea of God’s dwelling or settling among His people. When He truly dwells within us and we abide in Him, His presence becomes visible through our words, our actions, our character, and our love.
As we await His return, let us keep our lamps burning brightly. Let us remain watchful, faithful, and expectant, continually echoing the prayer of Scripture: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Speak It
Speak it. Live it. Let your life testify to the truth you profess. You are, in many ways, what you continually say and do. Are you Christ’s? Are you truly a believer? Are you walking in obedience to Him and His ways? How can you know?
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21.
There is only one reliable measure: do others see Christ in you, or is your Christianity merely something they have heard you talk about? Faith was never meant to be hidden behind words alone. It is revealed through a transformed life.
Let others see what God has made you to be. Do not conceal the light He has placed within you. As John Bevere said, We do not carry a “flashdark we carry flashlight”. Jesus Himself taught that a lamp is not placed under a basket but on a stand, giving light to everyone in the house.
Proclaim the truth boldly if necessary. Will it irritate some people? Very likely. The Word of God has always been offensive to those who resist it because it exposes sin and reveals the condition of the human heart. People often know they are sinners, but they do not want to be confronted with that reality. As a result, some may reject not only the message but also the messenger.
In the early days of the Church, following Christ was illegal in many places. Believers were arrested, put on trial, and condemned for their faith. If you were brought before a court today, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you of being a Christian?
The answer should be yes.
Yes, you should be guilty—guilty of loving Christ, guilty of obeying His Word, guilty of reflecting His character, and guilty of proclaiming His truth without fear. Stand firm, unashamed, and unwavering in your faith.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16, ESV)
Come Lord Jesus.
The time of our spiritual waxing and waning must come to an end. Personal upheavals, distractions, and seasons of despair can no longer govern our walk with Christ. We must be watchful, steadfast, and prepared.
As the world is increasingly captivated by reports of UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and countless other unsettling narratives promoted by both media and even some within the Church, the signs of the times are becoming more apparent. Yet we must not be deceived or distracted. Our focus is not on the sensational, but on the Savior.
Make no mistake: whether in our lifetime or in a generation yet to come, the return of Jesus Christ draws nearer with every passing day. The Lord Himself instructed us to discern the times and remain vigilant. Therefore, we should not fear. God remains sovereign over all things. He is still upon His throne, and nothing occurs outside His knowledge or authority.
The things we hear and the things we see must not move us from our faith. Like the apostle Paul the Apostle, we must stand firm and declare, “But none of these things move me”, Acts 20:24 KJV. We must discern wisely and believe wholeheartedly—with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
It is both wise and necessary to look for His appearing. Those who eagerly await Him will walk in the fear of the Lord, grow in holiness, and remain ready for His return. Let us therefore keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, our lamps filled with oil, and our hearts prepared to meet the King.
Conclusion
God said to Abram, “Go (come) to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) From the very beginning, God has been calling His people to come—to leave behind what is familiar and follow Him by faith. He often calls you to walk on water (figuratively) as Peter did.
That same invitation echoes throughout Scripture. Jesus calls not only His disciples, but all who will hear His voice:
“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 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 call to “come” did not end there. Through every outpouring of the Holy Spirit—from Pentecost until this very day—God continues to draw men and women to Himself. Even now, as we discern the signs of the times, we hear another promise from our Lord:
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)
In response, the Church joins her voice with the saints of every generation:
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!“ (Revelation 22:20)
And here we stand—waiting, watching, and hoping.
Pray: “Lord, I patiently await Your appearing. If it be Your will, I would rejoice to see these things fulfilled in my lifetime. Yet my desire must always yield to Your perfect purpose. Your will be done, not mine.”
Nevertheless, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Maranatha.
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” (James 5:7)
Enough Said
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
