Prepared To Receive !

Luke 8:40 "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for Him".

Jesus went to those who refused him in the land of Gadara; and there he saved one, to show the freeness and sovereignty of his grace. He then left the inhospitable country to show that he forces himself on no one. The bible tells us that wisdom abandons those who refuse her counsel (prov.1:24). Those whom the Lord has chosen shall be willing in the day of his power (ps.110:3).We see the multitude welcomed him, when Jesus is waited for and welcomed, he delights to come. He is not waited for by all: so we ask the question of our present hearers, do you welcome Christ? We all must answer this question for ourselves on this very day.

They were waiting for him; we, a gathered congregation waiting in the place where prayer is needed. Our earnest church, looking for revival and prepared to cooperate and work for it. Some churches don't wait for the Lord's presence, and would not be ready for him if he were to come. They were waiting, a seeking sinner, looking for mercy, searching the scriptures, hearing the word, inquiring of other like believers, constantly praying, and thus," waiting for Him." They waited for him and Jesus returned; His spirit already there, making us to wait. His heart is there in sympathy, longing to bless us; his work there as he brings us to that waiting condition; His promise is there, for "lo I'm am with you always". They waited for him and Jesus returned, and "the people gladly received him". Our fears makes him welcome; our hopes makes him welcome, our prayers makes him welcome, our faith makes him welcome, and our love makes him welcome, as we cared for one another. Jesus never disappoints wait for him, and he never refuses those who welcomes him.

A congregation cannot be said to welcome the Lord Jesus unless they are all there, which requires punctuality; unless they have come ready to meet him, which implies prayerful expectancy; unless they are ready to hear from him, which involves attention, and unless they are willing to accept his teaching, which demands obedience. Jesus is near us now: will you open the doors of your hearts to receive him?