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 3
As Jesus was finishing his time on earth and sharing his last words with his followers, he made an important promise. He said, “And know that I am with you always.”
Isn’t it comforting to have somebody with us?
Who wants to go to a party alone? No thanks. Give me that wingman/wingwoman.
Camping alone? Not for me.
Celebrating your birthday . . . party of one? No thanks.
Massive life decisions? Would love somebody to walk WITH me through those.
Life feels safer with a trusted friend beside us. A friend gives us confidence and courage and a safe place to fall if all goes wrong. When I go alone, I might pull it off. When I go WITH, it almost doesn’t matter if I do fall. The WITH is what matters most. I can fail at stuff if I know I have a WITH beside me. I can go through difficult challenges if I know I have someone WITH me.
Jesus knew that life was about to get rough for his followers. They would scatter. They could be hurt. They might face doubt and ridicule and failure on all levels. Things were going to get scary. So they needed to know, without a doubt, that he would be WITH them. ALWAYS. In their pain—he’s right there. In the fear—he hasn’t left. In the persecution, he is beside them and with them and for them.
The man they saw feed the 5,000.
The one who caused the blind to see.
The same guy who calmed the sea and walked on water.
The person responsible for turning water into wine.
That guy would still be WITH them.
In the middle of the scary places, the powerful miracle worker would stand WITH them and he will stand WITH you as well. Same guy. Same strong and mighty Jesus. He is with you ALWAYS. Nothing will hit you that he’s not aware of. No power on earth can separate you from him. The author of Romans is clear when he writes:
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. ”
— Romans 8:38–39
We are all walking through something scary today.
This season is more different than many of us have ever experienced.
You don’t have to be afraid.
Jesus is with you. Right now. Tomorrow. Always.