RSVP

Handwritten letters have almost entirely disappeared, having been replaced by electronic communication. Invitations, with the exception of weddings, are more than likely texted nowadays. RSVP, when attached to an invitation, once meant the host expected to hear from you. A meal and a place at the table were being reserved in your name at the expense of the host. It was considered common courtesy to reply.

New Testament writings like the letters of the apostle Paul to the churches and the gospels started out as letters, handwritten texts shared among believers and read in places of worship. Anyone receiving one of these letters would have considered themselves blessed indeed! Imagine holding Paul’s letter to the Galatian church in your hands and reading these words aloud for all gathered.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!””

Galatians 2:20-21 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.2.20-21.NIV

“See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!”

Galatians 6:11 NIV

https://galatians.bible/galatians-6-11

John, the last of the gospel writers and longest surviving disciple of Christ called Jesus the Living Word, the Only begotten of God, and One with God at the beginning. (John 1) Hebrews expands the picture of Jesus as “The Son (who) radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He (who) sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. (1:3) Jesus was present at creation and present in creation for a time. He was born a baby, grew to adulthood, and even experienced death and was raised on the third day. He was the Word of God made flesh, a living letter from your Creator to you.

Jesus in human flesh had every choice that you and I have and He is familiar with our appetites. He offers Himself as Water and Bread that satisfies. His temptation in the wilderness gives us the pattern we need to answer our own temptations with the word of God.

“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.”

Romans 11:36 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.11.36.NLT

I secured the name, A Fitting Reply, as a web address for my blog one year ago. Authoring a blog and writing publicly is a dream that my Heavenly Father wrote on my heart a very long time ago. The web address is not my original idea. It was revealed by His Spirit as I meditated on His Word with a searching heart over several years time. Only now, after penning God-inspired thoughts for the first year do I begin to see His purpose in the choice. My words are my reply to Him.

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”

Proverbs 15:23 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.15.23.NLT

In this conversation between Father and child, Lover and beloved, Friend to friend, you hear only my side. This blog is a reflection of my relationship with God through Jesus. My desire all along has been to make you lean in, itching to jump into the conversation. I’m forever tempted to join into conversation with complete strangers in restaurants, coffee shops, and in check out lines. This desire to commune with other humans is woven into the fabric of my being and yours by God Who could have chosen to create the world in a million ways, but Who spoke it into existence.

God is speaking to you as well. The heavens declare His glory. (Psalm 19:1) He is as close as a whisper. (I Kings 19:12) He has given His Son, Jesus, and His Word, the Holy Bible, so that you may know Him Who knows you intimately.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.1.17-19.NIV

Will you reply to Him today? As for me, “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope.”

Psalms 130:5 NIV

https://psalm.bible/psalm-130-5