Antigua and Barbuda

Sanctuary, a sanctuary! they say. And you open to them to receive what they offer. Your sunny shores and sandy beaches… blue and clear water! How seductive, what a nice way to get money. Yet, you settle for baubles. Seek from me the true riches. Seek from me the treasures that are hidden in secret places. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup… thereby despising what I offered. Now, for bits of paper, mostly going to those over you, you now settle for crumbs. You go to the sea and obtain food. You live in huts and sleep on the ground. All this is OK, but there is a trove of riches that I offer you. Buy oil, and if you’re thirsty and hungry, come and eat. The manna I feed you will be bread enough, the water I offer you is living and will quench you to the uttermost. Shall I say my Name? Don’t you know, have you not heard the word that has traveled to your shores? It is not a culture, it is a Kingdom without end. Let’s reason together, for though your sins be scarlet, they will be washed in blood to be white as snow. It’s an old story, and it’s a new one. Now is your time, today is your day, this is the hour and it is late. Seek me while I may be found, for the time is coming when men will claw their faces and women their breasts, weeping and exclaiming, “Oh that I would have listened. Oh that I might have another chance.” It is written, “today is the day of salvation.” The Spirit and the bride say “COME!”