Daily Devotional – Thursday, September 15, 2022
It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
ne of the most beautiful illustrations of Christ’s desire to be our Saviour and Friend is in Revelation 3:20, where He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Jesus does not want to force Himself into your house. He wants you to open willingly, allow Him in and make Him feel comfortable. However, unlike other visitors, Jesus does not intend to spend a few minutes or hours in your heart then leave. He wants to stay forever.
Jesus Wants to be a Permanent Resident in Your Life
Paul captures this aspects when He writes, “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:17). Jesus does not seek to be your acquaintance. He wants to be a permanent resident in your life.
When we accept Jesus Christ, we go through the same experience as Paul, who confesses, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
He Wants to Stay Forever
How different would your life be if Jesus lived in your heart permanently? Would you entertain the same thought patterns? Would you fill your mind with the same music and television programmes? Are there changes you would make in your speech and conduct?
Jesus has a beautiful promise for those who allow Him to live in their hearts. After stating that He is building mansions for them in heaven, He says, “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, welcome into my heart and remain there forever.
