John 1: He Came to That Which Was His Own

Scripture

John 1:10–14 (NIV)
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Scripture Reflection

God is a gentleman. He does not overpower us or barge into our lives. He comes gently, knocking on the doors of our hearts and our churches.

As Jon Tyson puts it, the Spirit will bypass ninety-nine lukewarm churches to find the one willing to open the door. The Spirit comes to our churches and our hearts, testing the waters to see if He will be welcomed in.

We often think about hosting guests in our homes or in our churches — but what if the most important Guest is God Himself?

Do we know how to create a heart posture and a space that says to God: “You are welcome here. Please come in. Please make Yourself at home — in my heart, in my house, in our church, in our region.”

God wants to dwell with us. In the Garden, in the Tabernacle, in Jesus — and now, through the Holy Spirit, in the living temple that is the people of God. But we must receive Him and offer Him continual hospitality.

The task of the church and its leaders — always, but especially in revival — is to learn to be welcoming and receptive to God. We must learn to host His presence.

As the hymn says:

“No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.”

Praying it UP / IN / OUT

UP: Worship Jesus for His gentleness and humility in coming near.

IN: Ask God to cultivate a posture in you that is sensitive to His presence, ready to welcome Him even when He comes quietly.

OUT: Pray that our churches would not quench the Spirit but would embrace God’s surprising moves when they begin to stir.

Closing Prayer

Jesus,

You stand at the door and knock —
not forcing Your way in,
but waiting to be welcomed.

Forgive us for the times we have ignored Your gentle presence,
for the ways we have filled Your house with everything but You.

We say now:
You are welcome here.
Come in.
Make Yourself at home in our hearts, our homes, our churches, our cities.

Search us and clear out every room.
Rearrange the furniture of our lives

Teach us what it means to host You well —
to build a resting place for Your glory.

Let our churches be more than program or performance —
but places of Presence.

As You once walked in the garden, and tabernacled in flesh,
come now by Your Spirit and dwell among us again.

Come, Lord Jesus.
You are our most important Guest.

Amen.