Come, sinners, to the gospel feast

Reflections on 'A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodist' #2 - Come, sinners, to the gospel feast 

The text to the hymn can be found here

Life can be tiring. The emotional drain of global conflicts and local issues, of trying to be good enough, of balancing all the competing calls on time can leave you feeling like a restless wanderer. Always pressing on, always keeping going. 'If only I can get through this pile of admin...' 'If only I can get through to next week...' 'If only this national leader would disappear...' If only...then life would find a new equilibrium. Yet you never reach that state. There's always something else, always another burden, always something else to sap the energy from you.

Wesley's hymn is an invitation to all who feel drained by life, and especially drained by the constant toil of finding contentment in life, to come to God's banquet - there is a place for all. Christ waits to offer a hearty welcome as the host of the feast. For any who feel that they are not worthy of a place at this banquet table, this message as from God receive - you all may come to Christ, and live. 

Sadly, the Church hasn't always been good at proclaiming this message. In fact, the opposite has sometimes been true - you are not welcome if... People are excluded, some are made to feel less worthy than others. As the opening of the hymn makes clear - none of us are worthy, all of us are welcomed through the undeserved love of God.

This love of God isn't some shallow sentimental expression of love, but it is persistent and powerful compelling all to accept. Joining with Wesley, the Church should have that desire that our voice could reach you all, that all may taste the goodness of God, experience that love which proclaims we don't have to earn our way in, and find the rest for which our hearts crave.