Let God Handle the Guest List
"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." - John 10:16
Have you ever been to a party or event where you were asked to help decide who could come? You know, the guest list? It can be tough to make sure everyone fits, especially when you want the party to be just right. But sometimes, we get so caught up in controlling who gets in that we forget one important thing: God’s plan is bigger than our preferences. Jesus made a crucial point when He said, “I must bring them also.” Notice that He didn’t tell His followers to go out and convert the others or to decide who was “worthy” to join. He said, "Let me handle that."
When it comes to who belongs in God’s kingdom, Jesus is clear. He’s the one in charge of the guest list. And honestly, that can be tough for us to swallow. We often want to control the process, deciding who fits in and who doesn’t based on our own standards. We think the people who belong are those who look like us, think like us, or live like us. But God’s love doesn’t work like that.
I love the slogan from Greyhound that says, “Go Greyhound: And leave the driving to us!” It’s a reminder to relax, sit back, and trust someone else to do the work. When it comes to God’s plan, Jesus is saying something similar: “Sit back and let me handle the guest list.” It’s not up to us to decide who gets to be part of God’s kingdom. Our job is to share the invitation, but the decision of who responds to it is between that person and God.
In Luke 14:23, Jesus shares a powerful message about the kingdom of God. He says, “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” Notice that the Master is doing the inviting. He’s not asking us to pick and choose who’s worthy.
Let go of the need to control who gets in and trust God’s plan. Remember, He’s got the whole guest list in hand, and He invites all who will listen to His voice. Let God be the one who decides who is part of His kingdom, and focus on sharing His love with everyone you meet.
Have you ever been to a party or event where you were asked to help decide who could come? You know, the guest list? It can be tough to make sure everyone fits, especially when you want the party to be just right. But sometimes, we get so caught up in controlling who gets in that we forget one important thing: God’s plan is bigger than our preferences. Jesus made a crucial point when He said, “I must bring them also.” Notice that He didn’t tell His followers to go out and convert the others or to decide who was “worthy” to join. He said, "Let me handle that."
When it comes to who belongs in God’s kingdom, Jesus is clear. He’s the one in charge of the guest list. And honestly, that can be tough for us to swallow. We often want to control the process, deciding who fits in and who doesn’t based on our own standards. We think the people who belong are those who look like us, think like us, or live like us. But God’s love doesn’t work like that.
I love the slogan from Greyhound that says, “Go Greyhound: And leave the driving to us!” It’s a reminder to relax, sit back, and trust someone else to do the work. When it comes to God’s plan, Jesus is saying something similar: “Sit back and let me handle the guest list.” It’s not up to us to decide who gets to be part of God’s kingdom. Our job is to share the invitation, but the decision of who responds to it is between that person and God.
In Luke 14:23, Jesus shares a powerful message about the kingdom of God. He says, “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” Notice that the Master is doing the inviting. He’s not asking us to pick and choose who’s worthy.
Let go of the need to control who gets in and trust God’s plan. Remember, He’s got the whole guest list in hand, and He invites all who will listen to His voice. Let God be the one who decides who is part of His kingdom, and focus on sharing His love with everyone you meet.
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