An Eager Invitation

Bible Reading: John 21:2-13

“Can I invite Amy and Sheldon to my birthday party?” Julie asked, surrounded by paper, markers, and glitter. “I’ve invited Bella.”

“Sure,” said Aunt Kate. She pulled out a casserole from the refrigerator. “Now, why don’t you clear the stuff for your invitations off the table so we can eat.”

As they ate, Julie fidgeted in her chair. “I’m so excited!” she said. “I wish it was Friday already! “

Aunt Kate smiled. “So have you been keeping track of your Bible reading on that paper you got in Sunday school?”

Julie flinched. “No. I haven’t had time to read my Bible this week. I’ve had other things to do and forgot.”

Finally, it was Friday. All day Julie helped Aunt Kate shop for the party, clean, and decorate the kitchen with balloons and streamers. Later, as she got dressed, Julie’s stomach flitted like butterflies, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Hearing the doorbell, she hurried downstairs.

“Oh, it’s you,” said Julie. Uncle Kyle was home from work.

“Your friends aren’t here yet?” Uncle Kyle asked. Julie shook her head.

Aunt Kate entered the foyer. “You told them what time to come, right?”

Julie nodded. “I wrote six o’clock on the invitation.”

“It’s six-thirty now,” said Uncle Kyle.

Julie peered out the window. Where are they? she wondered.

“Why don’t you get in touch with them?” suggested Aunt Kate.

After texting her friends, Julie slumped down at the kitchen table. “Sheldon and Amy are going to their grandma’s, and Bella forgot all about it. Nobody’s coming!”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Aunt Kate said, giving Julie a hug. “I know it’s disappointing, especially after you’ve put so much effort into getting things ready so your friends could enjoy eating and spending time together. But there’s one friend who’s always eager to spend time with you.”

Julie looked up. “Who?”

“Jesus,” said Aunt Kate. “He’s prepared a spiritual meal for you to enjoy together—the Bible. He wants you to come to Him every day so He can feed your faith through His Word.”

Julie smiled. “I think I’ll spend some time with the one friend who did come to my party.” – Beth Anne Ingram

How About You?

Do you let Jesus nourish your soul through His Word? The Bible tells the story of how much He loves you, and reading it can be just as exciting as eating cake covered in chocolate frosting! Jesus waits eagerly for you to dine with Him on His Word. Open your Bible and taste the delicacies He’s prepared for you today.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Feed on God’s Word