Becoming Like Jesus

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him, but as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God.

Jesus came to the earth, and was received by the earth—the wind and waves obeyed Him, even the rocks would have cried out unto Him.  Demons obeyed Him.  But mankind did not receive Him. 

The good news is that “as many” means “whoever.”  In other words, whoever receives Him is given a special privilege—the power or “authority” to become a child of God. 

Jesus told Nicodemus “You must be born again.”  Nicodemus didn’t understand, so Jesus explained that it was spiritual rebirth that was needed.  That’s what we must do—receive Jesus.  It’s actually translated from the Greek word meaning “to take.”  You receive something by taking it into your possession.

When I was a very little girl, I had a dream that Jesus came to the front door of my house, and I opened the door and let Him in.  I still get emotional when I think of it!  He came in, and we played, and he talked to me of things I don’t remember now, and He was fun and such a charming person!  We got along like two good friends.  I got tired, and didn’t want to go back to bed, but Jesus held me in His arms and I slept.  When I woke up, I ran to the door and flung it open—but He wasn’t there!  I wept copious tears, and my mother became agitated with me and yelled at me to close the door.  She didn’t understand what had happened to me.  I had opened the door of my heart and taken Jesus in.

That’s what we all must do—open the door and receive Jesus into our hearts.  Jesus wants to be both Savior and Lord of your life.  We pray for forgiveness, and ask Him in to save us from hell and judgment, but we also ask Him to be Lord of our lives.

The second proposition is the hardest.  We want the first one—to be saved from the fear of death, oh, what a relief!  No more looking over my shoulder.  But to let Him take the wheel?  Scarier than teaching your teenager how to drive. 

The problem is we don’t know Him.  In years past, most people went to church and knew of God.  They had read the Bible and heard sermons preached.  They knew of His character.  Now most people are ignorant about God.  They are fearful and disbelieving.  The answer to this is to get to know Him—in His word. 

To those to received Him he gave the power (authority) to become the sons of God.

 To “become” is something God always does.  He is “I Am.”  He will be what we need.  Think of it this way: God is ___________________.  What is your need?  I need salvation from sin, death, and judgment.  Jesus (Yeshua) means “God has become my salvation.”  I need God with me.  Immanuel means “God with us.”  I need provision, especially as a woman alone, a widow.  God is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider.  Sometimes I think no one cares about me, but God is “El Roi,” the God who sees.  He is with me, Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is There.”  I need to have victory over sin, and to be made righteous.  God is my banner and my righteousness, Jehovah-Nissi, and Jehovah-Tsidkenu. 

What do you need God to be for you?  Do you have poor health?  He is Jehovah-Rophe, the “God who heals.”  Do you feel the sting of injustice?  He will be your shield, or Magen.  God is whatever you need.  He provides for us, “The Lord our Shepherd,” Jehovah-Rohi. 

Our God becomes all we need.  What do we become?  We are given power to become children of God. 

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2.) 

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:4

We don’t really know what we’re going to become, but we know we’ll become like Jesus.  How’s that working for you?  Are you discouraged about your walk?  Philippians 1:6 says:

 He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

After 28 years of walking with the Lord, I am becoming more faith-filled than I did even 5 years ago.  God is doing the work, and I am assisting by allowing Him to make me what He wills. 

Back to our scripture, John 1:12.

…to those who believe on His name.

The criterion for receiving power to become God’s children is that you believe in His name.

·                           Immanuel

·                           Yeshua-God is salvation

·                           My Banner

·                           My Victory

·                           Christ in me, the Hope of Glory

I hope to grow more and more in faith!

Some scriptures:

Believing is the work of God: Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God: that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:29

Faith is needed to please God: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

We shouldn't worry about getting what we need, but believe God will take care of us: Matthew 6:31-32

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  

 For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Take the leap of faith, and trust God to become all you need!

Dear Abba,

 Thank you for the day You came into my life, and for each day since, as You’ve been teaching me who You are, and that I can trust You to take care of me.  Let know more about You, and learn to trust You more.  Forgive me for my lapses of faith, for when I don’t think You’re enough.  I thank You for the privilege of serving You.  Let me be a good servant, faithful to do all You will.

I bless Your name for all You’re doing in my life, and for who You are, and who You will become to me.

Your Daughter,

Donna