Your Easter Invitation Could Make All the Difference
Are We Ready for Jesus to Return?
There’s an old song by Larry Norman titled, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” It was written decades ago, but it still holds weight today. The lyrics point to Matthew 24, where Jesus talks about His return and the reality that not everyone will be prepared. That message still hits hard, that some will be left behind.
Are We Ready or Distracted?
As Easter approaches, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be left behind. The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that He’s alive. It also reminds us that He’s coming back. The question is whether we’ll be ready or caught off guard.Jesus said, “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:40–42 ESV).
These words are direct. He wasn’t trying to scare us. Instead, He wanted us to live with spiritual alertness and urgency. The danger is that we can get too comfortable and distracted, assuming we have more time than we actually do.
Preventing Others from Being Left Behind
Please understand the phrase “left behind” isn’t about fear. It’s about compassion. We all know someone who might be spiritually asleep. There’s still time for people to turn to Jesus, but they might just need a nudge. Easter gives us that chance.
For reasons I’ll never fully understand, people are more open to spiritual conversations during Easter. Maybe it’s tradition, maybe it’s the symbolism, or maybe God uses this season to soften hearts. Either way, this is a moment that we should take advantage of.
Make the Invite and Pray for Them
Think of someone who needs that invitation. Reach out this week and ask them to come with you to church on Easter Sunday. Keep it natural and kind. After you invite them, take a moment to pray:
Lord, I don’t want this person to be left behind. Use this conversation and my invitation to bring them closer to You.
You may not see the result right away, but don’t underestimate what God can do with a single step of obedience.
Forgiveness Is Still Available; Don’t Be Left Behind
There’s still time, but the window doesn’t stay open forever. Don’t wait until it’s too late and someone you care about is left behind this Easter.Psalm 130 says, “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared… I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” (Psalm 130:3–5 ESV).
Easter is the perfect time to respond to that hope. Forgiveness is available right now. Let’s not miss the opportunity to invite someone into it.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Who comes to mind when you think about someone who might be left behind this Easter
- What holds you back from inviting someone to church?
- How can you stay ready and spiritually awake for Christ’s return?
Just a thought, the passage you mention about one being taken and one being left. The context is that the ones taken are taken in Judgement while the ones left escape judgement. Puts a whole different spin on it opposite to many peoples interpretation. Otherwise I agree with the premise of your letter, Be Ready!!
Thanks for your comment Darryl.
Looks like there’s some heavy debate on the passage. (i.e. Who are the taken?)
Can you quickly explain your position on Jesus’ connection with the story of Noah? The way I see it, the people left behind in Noah’s day were definitely the wicked ones.