Saturday, December 24
At home
Scripture: Zechariah 3-4, John 14
John 14:23–24 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
Observation
I always approach John 14-17, the “upper room discourse”, like holy ground. These chapters are worthy of memorization and meditation. Notice:
First, the connection between Jesus and the Father that runs all through the chapter. If you have seen Jesus, you’ve seen the Father. Jesus’ words and works are from the Father. Jesus is going to the Father and is the way to the Father. If you love Jesus, the Father loves you.
Second, the connection between love and obedience. If anyone loves Me, he keeps my word; the one who doesn’t love Me will not keep my words. When you love someone, you want to please them and make doing what they want a priority. You don’t disregard their wishes or interests; you place them above your own. Don’t say that you love Jesus and then disobey Him.
Third, the promise that Jesus and the Father will “make our home” with the person who loves and obeys.
Application
Let’s settle on that idea that the Father and Son both will make their home with us.
I want Jesus to be at home in me. There is a difference between someone who is a guest in your home, and someone who lives there permanently—who is “at home.” Too often, we limit Jesus to being a guest. But someone who is at home has full and unlimited access to everything. It’s all His.
Is Jesus at home in my life—in every room, in every activity, in every part of it? Or have I kept Him a guest, allowed into certain spaces but locked out of others?
Years ago, Robert Boyd Munger wrote a small parable based on these verses. It’s called “My Heart, Christ’s Home.” It’s dated, but the point is still clear and challenging. You can read it here.
https://www.challengecsuc.com/assets/pdfs/be-a-disciple-my-heart-christs-home.pdf
Prayer: Jesus, I love You. And I want You to be completely at home in me. It’s Your home—feel free to make any changes You want. And today, on the eve of Your birth, help me to enjoy Your presence all day long.