Nestled between the covers of this beautifully illustrated book is an invitation — an invitation to come closer to Christ through a 21-day journey. Each step of the journey introduces a new concept that will help you come to know and recognize the hand of the Lord in your life. With an emphasis on daily scripture study and personal prayer, each chapter concludes with an assignment designed to help you apply and personalize concepts such as humility, gratitude, and listening to the Spirit. In the rush of everyday life, this unique book provides a refreshing pause and the opportunity to focus our efforts on becoming closer to Christ.

Thou shalt see
greater things than these.

—John 1:50

Years ago, following a particularly long and furious storm, I walked out the front door to assess the damage. My young son Josh who had been terrified of the flashing lightning and the constant pounding of thunder, clung to the bottom of my shirt and followed me outside. As we stepped onto the front porch we were stunned by the most brilliant rainbow I have ever seen. The colors were so amazingly vivid that you could differentiate the breaks between the purples and blues, the greens and yellows, the oranges and the reds. And above this breathtaking sight was a second bow, almost as brilliant and beautiful as the one mirrored below. We stood still, taking it in, and then we began to call out to the rest of the family who were still sheltered inside, “Come and see! Come and see!” This announcement was not good enough for Josh, who took off running across the street and began to knock on the doors of our neighbors. We all gathered to witness the beautiful event that lasted only moments, as rainbows do, and then we returned to our homes feeling blessed to have beheld such a wondrous sight.

Just over two thousand years ago, a similar invitation was given to two men who were fishing. As Christ walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, casting their net into the sea, for they were fish­ermen. They said unto Him, “Rabbi, . . . where dwellest thou?” and He said unto them, “Come and see” (John 1:38, 39; see also Matthew 4:18–19). Several other men were given this same invitation, and one of them, Philip, ran to tell his friend Nathanael, who questioned whether or not Jesus was the real Messiah. Philip answered him, “Come and see” (John 1:46).

This simple invitation summarizes the Master’s ministry. His was always an invitation: come and see; come follow me; come unto me. He asked His followers to come, and then He showed them the blessings that followed the simple invita­tion: water turned to wine; loaves and fishes multiplied; the lame walked; the blind saw; the dead would live again. The invitation was always extended. Acceptance was left to the individual. They could do as did the disciples—who straightway forsook their nets and followed Him—or they could continue the journey alone, completely missing the blessing of the wondrous sights they might have beheld.

Today we are given the same invitation that was extended many years ago to the fishemen of Galilee: set aside your nets and come and see. But, will we leave behind our nets, which are so full of other interests and everyday challenges?

We are pulled at on every side by distractions that entangle us. Time constraints, daily chores, work demands, worldly pursuits, pride, or other pressures may prevent us from developing a relationship with Christ. If we are to be truly happy, if we are to reach our full potential, I believe we must create a place for the Savior in our lives. I testify the sacrifice is worth it. The precious moments that will come as we cast aside our nets will allow us to discover some­thing of much greater worth. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “My desire today is for all of us . . . to have more straightforward personal experience with the Savior’s example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or his­tory or the experience of others. Those are important but not as important as per­sonal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch” (“Broken Things to Mend,” Ensign, May 2006, 70; emphasis in original).

Two thousand years ago, two fishermen left their nets and walked away from everything that would hold them back from coming to know Jesus Christ. Heeding the invitation, they followed the Savior and were blessed to experience incredible events, which burned an undeniable testimony upon their souls. If we are willing, we too can find opportunities that will allow us to come to know the Savior personally.

Learn to listen for the quiet invitation of the Master, the times when He invites you to come and see. Most often this whisper will come as we read the scrip­tures, visit the temple, attend church meetings, and during the still moments when we sincerely pray. Perhaps you will be led to places in your life where you can come to know Christ more fully. Maybe you will learn how to incorporate His attributes into your character. Hopefully you will come to know and recognize the peace and comfort His Spirit makes possible.

Make this the first day of your twenty-one-day journey. The soft rhythm of sandaled feet might not accompany you, but if you prepare with a prayer in your heart before the experiences of each day, I am confident that the Spirit of the Lord will whisper assurances to your soul that you do not travel alone.

If you want to know who Christ is, come and see. If you need to find answers to deep longings within your soul, come and see. If you are desperate to know the healing power Christ can and will bring, come and see. If you want to become a true follower of the Christ, come and see.

The Invitation . . . Come

Read the account of the fishermen in Mark 1:16–18 and in John 1:38–39.

The Journey

• Determine what fills your nets. Are everyday challenges such as time con­straints, demands from work or home, or feelings of inadequacy or fear holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ?

• Today try to listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see.