“RECEIVE HIM”

“Yet to all who received [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

In football, think of all that has to happen for a pass to be completed. The center and quarterback have to handle the snap correctly, the offensive line has to block the defenders, the receiver has to run his pattern, the QB has to make an accurate throw. The timing has to be right. And, of course, the receiver has to catch the ball or the team gains
nothing.

We can relate that entire offensive scenario to our spiritual lives. John 1:12 says, “yet to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave them the right to become children of God.” Like the wide receiver or tight end, we must receive—we must receive Jesus into our lives by believing in Him. But there’s more. When a receiver catches the ball, he doesn’t just stand there; he tries to gain as many yards as he can! Similarly, once we receive Jesus at salvation, God wants us to “do something!” He wants us gain new ground spiritually. Receive Him and keep going. That’s a good offensive strategy.

—Darren Adams

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6