But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
| Receiving
the person by Cathy Vinson |
receive (dechomai)-a
ready and deliberate reception (Vine's). Right now my husband is knocking on doors in this new town at new condos built near the church that is new to us. He didn't go out with only words, but in his whole person. Will his person be received? his image, his presence, his personality as he encounters people cold turkey? Or is this even important? "Whoever shall not receive you NOR hear your words..." (Mt 10:14). There was a reception for Christ's sent-out disciples that involved "receiving you" and "your words." It is interesting that "your words" (logos) meant "expression of thought" of the disciple. The expression was involved, the way the disciple expressed. In the book "Ministry of the Word," the writer explains the formation of a Godly character, going through dealings under God's hand. When does the "word become flesh" in a person? Over the molding process of the living God, one's personality: inflections, humor, and ways can be a part of the ministry of the Word spoken. This is involved in the reception. So my husband is out there. As he is received, it seems it is a ministry of Christ Himself. The receptive "will in no wise lose their reward" (Mt 10:41). This is awesome! "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. AND WHO IS EQUAL TO SUCH A TASK?" (2 Cor 2:15-16). |
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| "he
that receives you, receives Me." (Luke 18:1) |
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Other Whispers from the Wilderness Devotions are found HERE
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