RECEIVING
06th Feb 2019
In December, Christians all over the world celebrated the coming to earth of Jesus, the Saviour of the World, God’s gift to humankind. Some received the gift, some didn’t like or understand the packaging. Humble shepherds worshipped, intellectual scholars couldn't believe as they had such set ideas of how God’s promised gift would look and act.
In John 1:12 we read, “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Interestingly, the gift had already been given, however in order to experience the dynamic of the gift, you have to receive, explore, experience personally, touch and see. Then praise and thanksgiving will flow out of you, wonder and the amazing generosity given to you, the receiver!
When God has given something, you do not have to keep begging, you need to receive. The Holy Spirit was given in a demonstrable way at Pentecost. The early disciples received the promise of the Father and experienced the joy, wonder, presence and power embodied in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Peter declares in Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptised every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” In Acts 4:29, the disciples prayed for God to, “Stretch out His his hand to heal and perform signs and wonder through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Once again they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God’s word boldly.
We see this repeated in Samaria as the apostles prayed for the new believers; Ananias was instructed to go to Saul, restore his sight and see him receive the Holy Spirit; Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit as Peter preached; Paul asked the Ephesian church, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed.” (Acts 19:1-7)
I asked for years to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, I bombarded heaven with tears and frustration, until I realised I was asking for something God had already given. I needed to understand that just as I received forgiveness and salvation by believing, thanking and so received peace, I too needed to again receive and start thanking, and immediately I knew the joy of being filled with the intimate presence of God in the person of His Holy Spirit.
I want to be a receiver of all that God has given - healing, wholeness, life in all its fullness, joy, love - every gift already given, received with thankfulness.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
