And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.”(Mark 4:11 ESV)

When I was in graduate school, one of my professors encouraged in-person visits instead of communicating through conference calls and email. She explained that tuition isn’t all about classroom lectures and exams; having access to subject matter experts is what students actually pay for. The advantage of forming academic relationships enhances our learning because we get 1-on-1 time whenever we seek advisement on a topic that we are working on. Professors are equipped to explain things in a comprehensible way so that we walk away with a better understanding.

In the same way, having access to Jesus helps us understand the lessons and truths contained in his parables. What he teaches his disciples is privileged and revealed only to those who are very close to him. When we pray to him, that becomes our 1-on-1 session. It is special because we can tell him anything that is weighing on our heart. And in those moments while we are speaking, he will tell us what we need to hear through the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Some people say they can hear his voice. Others report that he gives impressions in the form of thoughts and bringing to mind what the Scriptures say on the issue we are praying about. That is why ministers recommend that we have a pen and paper nearby so we can write down what God is saying to us.

Having access to the Lord does not cost us anything beyond giving him our hearts. We do not have to pay tuition or work off our debt to him. Jesus just said, “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28). Having a relationship with him is priceless because the value is infinitely eternal. Many people have been blessed to realize this already while others are still warming up to it.

The nice thing is that his invitation is never revoked. What Jesus does is patiently wait for anyone willing to seek him on their own timing. And over time, the messengers they encounter will nudge them closer to Jesus until they begin praying in faith. Now aren’t you glad that someone cared enough to nudge you?