“To all who did receive Him…He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

READ

John 1:1-13

REFLECT

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong?  Maybe you are surrounded by “beasts” in the gym, and you feel inadequate.  What about at a new job, new town, or new school?  Or, does your lack of church background make you feel uncomfortable in a devotional setting?  Maybe you don’t feel like you belong with old friends who don’t seem to accept you anymore.  We have all felt the pain of disapproval based upon our inadequacies.  So, how do we know if we belong?
In terms of belonging to a gym, the rights and privileges of members are only given to those who are in good standing with the management.  In fact, in any professional setting, there is really only one reason we have the right to be there.  It is due to our relationship with the owner or manager.  If this relationship is solid, we are given the right to enjoy the associated privileges.  However, if our relationship is rocky, it is likely our privileges will be revoked.
In the same way, there is only one reason we can approach God.  It is due to our relationship with one individual – His Son.  It has nothing to do with our physical birth, our personal performance, or the decision of any other man.
“So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into ‘the Holy Place.’ Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God.”  (Hebrews 10:19-20 – The Message)

RESPOND

1.  Describe a place you don’t feel you belong.  Why?
2.  How have you attempted to use any of the 3 earthly identities to become acceptable to God? (Blood, will of flesh, will of man)
3 – How has God shown you these will never work in earning your right to God?
4.  Have you accepted the right Christ has given you to become a child of God?