At Home

When people come to stay at our house, we often say, “Make yourself at home.” Spanish speaking people use the phrase “Mi casa, su casa.” “Make yourself comfortable” is our way of assuring a person we have nothing to hide, all is at their disposal, and we want them to relax and enjoy themselves.

We wouldn’t say those things to just anyone. We mistrust strangers. We don’t really like some who might drop in at inappropriate times. We are on our guard, lest they take advantage of us. We have our limits when it comes to hospitality.

But what about Jesus? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if He knocked on  your door in the flesh? Would you welcome Him with open arms? Would you be afraid that He might snoop around where you have things hidden from plain view? Our family has welcomed many to our home over the years. They have actually lived with us for varying lengths of time. We’ve tried to welcome them as if they were the Lord Himself. Perhaps we’ve even entertained “angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2, KJV).

Among all of the prayers that the apostle Paul recorded, here’s one of my favorites. “I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. (Ephesians 3:17, The Living Bible).Here’s the longer version of that text (verses 15-19) from the J. B. Phillips Translation. “I pray that out of the glorious richness of his resources he will enable you to know the strength of the spirit’s inner re-inforcement—that Christ may actually live in your hearts by your faith. And I pray that you, firmly fixed in love yourselves, may be able to grasp (with all Christians) how wide and deep and long and high is the love of Christ—and to know for yourselves that love so far beyond our comprehension. May you be filled through all your being with God himself!”  Is Christ at home in your heart today?

Lord, be at home
In my humble heart.
May every part
Have open doors
And clean floors
To welcome
Your holy presence.
DJKrieger