OPENING THE GIFT OF JESUS
by John S. Barnett
Receiving: A Multi-Level Proposition
Consider that “to receive” carries multiple meanings in our Bible. These include:
To welcome and accept: Lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes and other “sinners” — the bottom rungs on the ladder of society — were nonetheless forgiven and “received” by Christ. (Translation: Working on a promise that the gift-giver is sincere, we take a curious first hold of the gift and respond to this invitation for a trusting relationship.)
To hear and believe: Jews and Gentiles alike made themselves available to “receive” the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, thus gaining understanding, joy and faith. (Translation: Through getting to know the gift-giver, you see they are, indeed, worthy of trust and sincere in their intentions.)
To obtain: Jesus worked miracles. He answered prayers and He promised any who would believe could “receive” these things. (Translation: The blessings of this relationship abound in ways you never could have imagined.)
“Opening” the Gift of Jesus finds us operating on each of these levels, or layers, of “receiving.”