John 1:12-14 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:… He comes to your door. He wants to get in. He knocks. He waits. Is not that wonderful? I was lately visiting that part of the country where our beloved Queen stays when she comes to Scotland. She visits among the poor. I saw some of the cottages to which she is in the habit of going. In the house of one of her servants I saw her own likeness, and the likenesses of several of her family — all gifts from themselves. You say, What kindness! what condescension! And so it is: But what would you think if I told you — what I am glad I cannot tell you, for it would not be true — that when they saw the Queen coming, they locked their doors and pretended to be out, and kept her standing knocking at the door, refusing to let her in, though she came to speak kindly to them and to do them good? You would say, Surely the people must not be in their right mind. And yet that is just what King Jesus does — Queen Vietoria's King. He comes to your door to bless you, to save you. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Most people keep Him out, and will not have anything to do with Him. They say, "Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways." Opening the door to Him, saying, "Come in, Lord Jesus, come in" — taking Him to our heart, and only fearing lest He should ever go away again — is believing. The believing heart is the heart that has let in Jesus, and in which he dwells (Ephesians 3:17). (J. H. Wilson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: |
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