How can we ensure we welcome Jesus into our lives daily? Setting the Scene “Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.” (Matthew 8:34) After freeing two demon-possessed men and sending the demons into a herd of pigs, Jesus arrives at the town gate carrying undeniable authority and mercy. Yet the people, rattled by loss of livestock and fear of the unknown, choose distance over devotion. Their reaction becomes a mirror for our own hearts: will we beg Him to stay or to leave? A Lesson from the Unwelcoming Town Why did they push Jesus away? • Financial loss felt more urgent than spiritual gain. • Fear of change eclipsed gratitude for deliverance. • Community consensus carried more weight than personal conviction. These dangers survive in every generation. Recognizing them helps us choose a better response. Turning Begging into Welcoming Scripture repeatedly contrasts rejection with reception: • “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him…He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:11-12) • “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) Jesus wants to stay. The open door is ours to guard each day. Daily Door-Opening Practices 1. Morning surrender • “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice.” (Psalm 5:3) • “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” (Romans 12:1) Quick prayer of yielding and planned obedience sets the tone. 2. Time at His feet • Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message.” (Luke 10:39) • “I have hidden Your word in my heart.” (Psalm 119:11) Read, meditate, and memorize; the Word is the welcome mat. 3. Responsive obedience • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) Every step of obedience invites deeper fellowship. 4. Confession & cleansing • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) Sin barricades the door; confession swings it open. 5. Spirit-filled dependence • “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Constant reliance keeps the heart hospitable. 6. Continual abiding • “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) Staying connected allows His life to flow through ours without interruption. Guarding Against Drift • Check motives: Are convenience and comfort crowding out Christ? • Resist herd mentality: Truth may set you apart from popular opinion. • Celebrate His works: Rehearsing His past faithfulness fuels present welcome. Encouragement for Every Morning Jesus never forces entry; He knocks. Each sunrise is an invitation to open wide the door, delight in His presence, and live the day in step with Him. When we value His nearness above every earthly cost, we will never beg Him to leave—we will beg Him to stay. |
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