The entire life of Jesus was a pursuit and call for our hearts to be restored to God.

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God is giving us our rightful place as sons and daughters, and as part of a royal heavenly family. Jesus is our usher towards right relationship with the Father. This He does for as many as received Him. 

 

But, listen to me.

 

1. This isn't for as many as tattooed a cross or a Bible verse on their bodies, but for those who tattoo his commandments on their hearts. 

2. It's not for as many as liked a Facebook page about Christianity, but for those who would dig their faces in the book that defines Christianity. 

3. It doesn't say for as many as attend church here and there, but it is for as many as would tend to the matters of His heart here and now. 

 

"For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God."

 

A quick word study of the word for 'received' in the Greek shows exactly what John was trying to portray to us. The word 'elabon' has roots in the Greek that means to lay hold of something by aggressively and actively accepting what is being offered.

 

It's perfectly displayed by a wide receiver catching a game-winning touchdown. The quaterback's job is to get the ball down field and in position for the intended receiver. But for the stadium to tremble with the roars of the winning team's fans the receiver has a job to do. He must be assertive and commit to the route. He must sprint and jump to catch the ball over the defenders. 

 

That is the nature of the word received! It has an emphasis on the assertiveness of the receiver who chooses to grasp onto what is given with desire and passion.

 

Pause for a moment. 

 

Will you receive Jesus with a fervent spirit and zeal? 

 

I urge you to devote the next four days of prayer to this one thing:

 

Ask God to show you how to TAKE HOLD of your identity in Him. For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.

 

You were made to reign.

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Continue to march!