APRIL 18, 2024
Topic: TOTAL ACCEPTANCE
Text: John 1:11-12; Matthew 10:11-15
Memory Verse: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”. John 1:11-12 (NKJV)
Receiving visitors or guests into our home is not complete until we’ve demonstrated and shown it both in our preparation and gestures. Sometimes, visitors know they are not welcomed into certain places when receptions, attitudes and gestures observed are repulsive, not attractive and are negating our actions. The Jews rejected Christ and disdained the work of redemption God wrought in Him and through Him because they knew Him not.
The Gospel message must be gladly, wholly and completely received for one to enjoy all its dividends and the peace that comes with it (Matt. 10:13). Just as the Disciples of Christ were instructed to withdraw from whoever rejects them, God’s blessings embedded in the redemption grace are forfeited and lost each time you ignore or reject God’s gracious invitations to you. Unfortunately, many today, similar to the Jews who rejected Jesus, partially or partly profess to receive God’s redemptive work wrought in Christ but largely live contrary to its demands and the principles of God’s grace.
Your total and complete acceptance of God’s redemptive grace is demonstrated when you listen and fully obey God’s word (Matt. 10:14). You lose God’s blessings and are at the mercy of His judgement each time you neglect or refuse His instruction. However, your total willingness and full readiness to do God’s bidding avail you far enriching privileges that come from God.
Resolve never to hold anything back in accepting Christ’s gift of redemption to you. Put off every action that repels God’s instruction to you lest He withdraws from you.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to wholly and completely yield to you in all I do and professes.