The Guest of a Lifetime

I was talking to someone the other day whose family has been visiting from out of town. They are staying with them for over a week. They are having a good time but their regular routine is out the door. Bed times are later, showers are colder, and meals take longer to cook. They wouldn’t change it for the world though. Time spent with family is worth it.

What if I was to tell you that Jesus was in town and needed a place to stay? After saying, “Yes!,” you would do all you can to prepare your house for the guest of a lifetime.

After the resurrection, two men were walking to Emmaus. Jesus comes up and walks with them. He inquires about what they were talking about. They couldn’t believe that He didn’t know what was happening. As they walked along they explained to Him all the events. Jesus took it from there and filled in the rest of the blanks. It was getting late and these two men invited Jesus to stay with them. They still didn’t know who they were talking to. This story is found in Luke 24:13-35. “When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight” (Luke 24:30-31). Their hearts were stirred as they were talking to Him. They probably wish they knew it sooner.

If Jesus were to come and stay in your home, I would guarantee things would change. It would put everyone on their best behavior. If the children started arguing, the parents would quickly come and put their finger over the mouth and forcefully whisper, “Shhh!” while pointing to the bedroom where Jesus is sleeping. The family would work at being polite to each other. Put-downs would be replaced with affirming words more consistently. Family crises would be handled differently with Jesus present. He would offer a much greater sense of peace and security. Jesus even preached that a house built on the rock could survive any storms that beat against it (Matthew 7:24-27).

Any family fortunate enough to be honored by such a wonderful guest would want friends to meet this unique person. There would be a few parties scheduled for many opportunities to introduce Jesus and give people the sense of what it is like to spend time with the most important person in the world.

In time, some adjustments would be needed. Jesus might occasionally challenge someone’s use of time or money, or just the way they are treating others. All in all, it would be a life-changing experience.

Can I remind you that Jesus is everywhere all the time? Psalm 139 reminds us, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:7-10). How freeing it is to realize that in reality, Jesus is the unseen guest in our home. His presence is as real as the furniture in our living room. Revival can be experienced in our homes when we realize that Jesus is present on a daily basis. Relationships can be closer, conflict can be worked through, worry can be a little less, and time can be cherished for all of eternity. Live like Jesus is present because He is.

Make a difference in your world today. Allow Jesus to come spilling through your life as He fills you with His Words and Spirit.

I am looking forward to another great day at the Naz on Sunday.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org