Remember the Motel 6 commercial? Not sure why you would name a hotel with a number, and I digress... The hook for the ad was spoken by a guy named Tom Bodett, a humorist and radio personality. It went a little something like this... "And we'll leave a light on for ya". Can you think of anything that would send a clearer message of welcome? The implication is that no matter what time you arrive, no matter where you come from, no matter how long you plan to stay, no matter how much stuff you are bringing with you, we welcome you. I want to stay at a place where I feel welcome don't you? I remember driving through the night to go see my in-laws when the girls were small, ( the girls sleeping in the car was a blessing!) When we arrived, often times at 2 or 3 in the morning there was always a light on for us. I knew they were not only welcoming us but they were expecting us and excited about our arrival. What an incredible message is conveyed with such a simple act.
Do you have any idea where Jesus desires to dwell? His desire is to dwell within the hearts of His people. In Psalm 132 King David talks about not laying his head down or even resting until he found a place for the Lord to dwell. And now because of the provision of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross, the dwelling place has been identified. How awesome is that? The search is over, no longer is there a curtain that separates us from the creator of the universe. He wants to dwell within us.
But, have we left the light on for Him? Does He know that we are welcoming Him and anticipating His arrival? Or, have we allowed our desire to live like the world and pursue worldly things to illuminate the NO VACANCY sign in the window? See, He will not force Himself on us. We must surrender ourselves to Him and trust Him with our whole life, not just the parts we want to give Him... EVERYTHING! He tells us in Matthew 16:24-25 that in order to go after Him, we must pick up our cross daily and follow Him. He goes on to say that anyone who withholds their life from Him will lose it, but those who surrender their life to Him will save it.
Be encouraged today and know that Jesus loves you and is waiting with great anticipation to see that you have left the light on for Him, welcoming Him to come in and take up residence in your heart.
Waiting on Him,
ML
