INVITE GOD INTO YOUR HOME

In our church we’re working our way through the book of Mark (and getting quite an eye opening view of Jesus).  In chapter 9 we find Jesus having displayed His glory to three of the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration. After this He repeats to His followers that He must die and rise again after three days… they think this will somehow usher in His Kingdom, so they try to guess which of them will have more rank than the others in this ultimate rule.

On the walk through Galilee to Capernaum Jesus was set on His destiny in Jerusalem, they had other matters on their hearts. So when they reached their destination that day Jesus sat down to teach them a vitally important lesson. One they would never forget!

He began with ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’ Another one of those riddles they had a hard time comprehending, (remember they didn’t have the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit, yet). After that He brought a little child over and gave him a hug (I wonder how unexpectedly warm that hug felt, I’m sure that person never forgot that moment).  Then Jesus said one of the most politically incorrect things that He could have spoken to His disciples. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…” (verse 37a), children weren’t held in the highest regard in those times.

In honor of National Foster Care Month I think it is appropriate to suggest that we can follow through on Jesus’ promise to welcome Him into our homes by bringing a foster child into our homes and hearts. Many of the kids in the system don’t have a clue as to what a normal life looks like, let alone what real love looks like. Why not use the extra bed in your house to offer a place of refuge from the pain of their shattered lives? By seeing Christianity lived out, and learning about the Savior Who thought that they are worth enough that He died for them, you can potentially bring one more soul into the Kingdom.

Oh… and one other benefit that Jesus mentions, the last half of verse 37 “…and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (NIV) God will be in your midst when this life changing action takes place!   

Wade Webster

Wade is just an ordinary Christian who has discovered a passion for writing. To learn more about him, and his writing journey, read his blog: wadewebsterwrites.wordpress.com.