7th October

You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. Acts 3, 14 & 15

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1, 11 & 12

The right to be children of God

Jesus came to that which was his own that is, his people Israel. A few centuries before a Messiah had been promised to Israel. However, the Jews neither acknowledged him as a Messiah nor as a king. And on the whole, men did not receive him either because by his presence he brought to the fore their bad works. Instead they put him to death like a criminal. They not only rejected him who came from heaven to visit them but they nailed him on a cross after covering him with insults.

The power of Jesus was infinite. Jesus accomplished a lot of miracles. Would he not have been able to defend himself and to destroy those who put their hands on him? Certainly! However, he voluntary took the punishment on himself, because he knew that he would suffer God's judgement instead of us. So God can forgive the guilty one who is repentant and make him become his child. Jesus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. His own crucified him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God with all the consequences of this relationship; free of charge care, education, heritage etc. is assured.

Like a new-born child is registered in the registry office of his town, the new relationship which unites the believer with his heavenly Father is registered in heaven in the book of life. Are you sure that your name is registered in this book of life?