I Know I Received the Savior
Receiving Jesus!

Scripture Reading: John 1:19-28

Key Verse: John 1:12

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

Yesterday’s devotional talked about how difficult it is to put in words the experience of receiving Jesus Christ into our lives. Today I want to focus on “what” we are truly receiving when we say yes to Jesus. Our key verse for today is very clear: we are to receive “the name of Jesus.” It is those who believe in the name of Jesus who become part of God’s family. Let’s explore why that is so important.

Names—especially in biblical times—were far more than titles or labels for identification. The name carried significance. The name had meaning behind it and said volumes to those who heard that name. When we speak of believing in Jesus’ name, that means much more than believing it was His name. That name represents who Jesus was, what Jesus taught, where Jesus spent His time and wouldn’t spend His time. When we say we have received Jesus, it must be understood that that comes with the entire personhood!

The demons believed in the name of Jesus, as a title. They even believed He was the Son of God. What they didn’t believe in or receive was the “thinking” or “lifestyle” of Jesus. Our salvation in the name of Jesus comes when we clearly know what that name represents in our life and our lifestyle. I received Jesus and my way of “doing life” changed! Has yours?

Father, as I learn more and more about you through Jesus’ life and teaching, I want to become more and more like you in my lifestyle. In Jesus’ Name, amen.