God has much He would like to say to us and give to us. Did you know, though, that there are two ways we can receive from Him? We can receive actively or passively. How our heart is predisposed to respond will dictate how God will offer and give to us.
RELEVANCE
Consider how the gospel of John describes how people responded to the LORD. “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12).
Two different Greek words are used to describe two types of action. In describing the first type of action, “his own did not receive Him,” the word paralambano is used. It is a passive verb. It means to receive near, associate with oneself or assume a relation.
In describing the second type of action, “But as many as received Him,” the word, lambano, is used. It is an active verb. It means actively attained, grab hold, be amazed. So, whereas one type of people passively received or noticed Him, the other actively embraced Him! He touched their hearts and moved them.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Consider how you typically approach God, or people for that matter. Ask God to reveal to you how you might reflect and exhibit more genuineness and passion and likewise reap a more fruitful type of response.
REFERENCES
Matthew 7:7-8; 21:22; Luke 11:13; James 4:3; 1 John 3:22