Welcome
Twenty-one is a reading plan we created with the hope that it will help you connect with God and prepare your heart for Easter. We’re glad you’ve opted to join us on this journey and look forward to celebrating Easter with you!
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Day 10
Have you ever not been invited to a party?
Maybe you’ve seen people posting about a big party or event that you missed.
Maybe you were left off the list of friends going out to dinner.
Maybe the boss picked somebody else for the opportunity you felt you deserved.
Maybe the coach selected others for the team.
Most of us know what it’s like to be left out or uninvited. It can be awful.
Maybe that’s why Jesus is so intent on teaching his followers to be inviters.
He doesn’t want anybody left out.
He longs that all be invited, that everybody discovers the gift of grace he gave to the world. His compassion compelled him to teach his followers to be inviters.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’”
— MATTHEW 9:36
Plenty of people need an invitation. If you know Jesus, you have unlimited invitations to hand out. Apparently, people are ready to be invited. The harvest is ready. The workers, the inviters, are scarce. What might happen if we all started inviting? We might incite some partying. Check this out . . .
“If one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the missing one till he has found it? How delighted he is then! He lifts it onto his shoulders, and home he goes to call his friends and neighbors together. ‘Celebrate with me!’ he cries. ‘I have found my lost sheep.’”
— LUKE 15:4–6
Jesus told that story in an effort to illustrate what happens in heaven when just one person understands God’s love and meets the Savior. A party breaks out. Celebration ensues. It’s a big deal to God when people who need him meet him. And he lets you and me carry the invitations. That’s a big deal. We’ve got a big job.
So if you know Jesus and you want to invite people to the party, maybe this week you can start to make your guest list. Then take some time and make praying for your invitees a regular part of your week.
Jesus wants you to be a harvest-gathering, sheep-finding, party-starting inviter.
Start some parties.
Triple dog dare.