RECEIVING CHRIST

Today is Sunday!  I love Sundays!  I am looking forward to see how God chooses to bless His people.  God has been doing so much this last year, Sunday after Sunday, and it has been amazing to see.  He is blessing us so richly.  I am always filled with anticipation of God's meeting with us.  I hope you are too!  Here is a thought for today:

RECEIVING CHRIST- In John 13:20, Jesus says to His disciples:  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."  Now, we now that God calls people into ministry and sends them to labor for Him to different lands, countries, cities, areas.  Here Jesus is stating that IF we receive someone He has sent, it is like receiving Jesus and the Father in person!  Wow!  Would you be a gracious host IF Jesus came home to eat Sunday dinner with you?  If He showed up at your church, would you invite Him to spend some time with you?  I'm thinking our answer would be YES!  But, seldom if ever, do we think that the visiting Missionary or Pastor, or Evangelist, or retired person in ministry is like receiving Jesus.  BUT, we are wrong!  Jesus said to receive one whom He hath sent is like receiving Him.  Now, doesn't that change how we should perceive those who are called of God and are serving Him?  How do we treat our Pastor?  Do you even shake his hand after he delivers a message?  Do you greet him?  Do you lighten his load, or ignore him and his load?  As we receive him, is how we receive Jesus.  This is a principle that comes to us right from the lips of Jesus on the night of His betrayal.  Let us take heed to it and take it to heart.  Hope you have a wonderful day at Church today!

Pastor Mike Mutchler