I ask, does Jesus live in your home?

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Reading in Mark 2:1-12, we see that Jesus does not always get into the “home” — the heart. There are some homes (hearts) where the door is shut in his face.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus makes this promise to us: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.”

Sometimes He comes in uninvited, as in Luke 24:36: “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, ‘Peace be unto you.’” He always accepts an invitation to come in, as in Luke 24:29: “But they constrained him, saying, ‘Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.’ And he (Jesus) went in to tarry with them.”

Here are some lessons we can learn:

Jesus condescends to come into the house. Isaiah 57:15 reads, “He that inhabiteth eternity dwelleth with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” Jesus seeks an entrance into our heart that we might “sup with him.” He who was laid in a manger will not pass by the poor and needy.

Jesus fills the heart when he comes in. In Mark 2:2 we read, “And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door; and he preached the word unto them.”

There is no need for worldly entertainment to attract Jesus to come in. When Jesus comes in he brings a great company of new friends with him. Someday we will know this being filled with the fullness of God.

When Jesus is in the house (heart), his presence cannot be hid. See Mark 2:1; word got around Jesus was in the house at Capernaum. If the love of Christ dwells in our heart, his love will flow.

When Jesus comes in he leaves the door open so others can follow, and so that his words may be heard.

When coming to Jesus, sometimes you will meet with difficulties. In Mark 2:4, friends of a man needing healing could not get in through the door, so they made a hole in the roof.

We see that there were hearers around the outside the door; hearers often stand in the way of seekers. Who are these hearers? Some are stiff-necked; some are selfish.

They will not move an inch so Christ can come inside for the seekers and hear. They are the ones who are never out of their pews on Sunday, but they will not lift their little finger to help the seekers.

What will they say if you go out and look for the seekers? “Here comes one of those Bible-thumping people.” Let them say what they will; so what, if a sin-sick soul is saved?

It takes four things to bring a sinner to Jesus: The law of God, the Spirit of God, the Word of God and the servant of God.

When a man is saved, he will show it. Think of Mark 2:12: “And immediately he arose, took up his bed and went forth before them all.” No man can ever be the same after coming in contact with Jesus Christ. The Son will either soften or harden their heart, revive or wither their souls. All whose sins are forgiven are called to glorify God in their body.

Remember he is sufficient for all who come to him. We see he was all-sufficient for the sick, was all-sufficient to hear, was all-sufficient for all who came to him.

In 2 Corinthians 9:8 we read, “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. John 6:37 reads, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Let me ask, is Jesus in your heart?

Joseph Merriman is pastor of First Baptist Church of Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.