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Receptive
Richard WaialealeActs 3:1-6 (NIV)
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon.
2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.
3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.
4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!"
5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
I’ve read this story many times but today I can see, the fact is, receptiveness to the Gospel varies at different times in people’s lives. Sometimes people are very open to the Gospel and sometimes they’re very closed. And receptivity doesn’t last forever.
Jesus knew this very well, and so He said, “Go to the people who will listen” (Matt. 10:14)
That’s a very significant statement. Jesus was instructing the disciples to leave the unresponsive place and move on to other soil. There are far more people ready to receive Christ in the world than the number of people ready to share it. I should constantly be asking God, “God, who are You preparing right now for me to talk to?” That’s what was happening with Peter and John.
If the fruit is ripe, you don’t have to yank it. It comes off easily.
Who are the most receptive people in your community? How do you know who’s ready to be reached? People who are experiencing change, for good or for bad, are generally more receptive. When people are going through changes, good or bad, it makes them more open to the Gospel. People in transition and those under tension are the most receptive.
When people are going through transition, they’re more open. A new job, a new home, a new baby, a new graduation, a new marriage. And second, those under tension – physical tension, emotional tension, financial tension, or relational tension are usually searching for answers, for hope, and for truth.
The action step for me is who do I know needs to hear the gospel? Where is God working in our community?
Father I pray to be aware to those that You are softening their hearts to be receptive to the Gospel of Jesus. Open my eyes and my heart to see what You see and to speak the words that the Holy Spirit feeds me, In Jesus Name I pray these things. Amen.
