He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:11-12 KJV
If the people of Jesus' time knew who he was and what he was sent to do, do you think their reception of him would have been different? The account of John here seems to underscore the danger of familiarity and contempt for the usual. Jesus was born into a regular family, even if most didn't know how he was conceived. They knew his brothers and sisters and his parents, so they had him all figured out. There really couldn't be anything special about him.
Unfortunately, with God, in the usual lies the extraordinary and the amazing. Jesus came to those who were his own, the Jews. They didn't recognize God's hand because it was seen with the eye of the familiar. But then, the invitation was extended to other people who weren't really the first recipients of the message. For all who take the step of faith and believe in the One God has sent, they are renamed as sons of God. That is deep; it is a treasure whose full dimensions this earthly phase cannot fully comprehend.
What does it mean to be called sons of God? It means that status has changed; name has changed. Also, the blood line by which you stand to inherit has changed. The key to all these is the expression: 'as many as received him. That is the key to all that God is and gives. He will not go above and beyond the exercise of your free will. If you make the approach, He will gladly complete the transaction. If you do not accept his terms, you cannot turn around and blame God for how life turns out.
He is calling; in fact, He has been calling since creation. He wants to make me the centrepiece of his affection, and he wants the world to know Him through me. What will you do? How much of you will you surrender to Him? Remember, eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here.
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