receive (dechomai)-a ready and deliberate reception (Vine’s)

In our growing town, there are many opportunities for fresh church plants as they eagerly knock on doors.

These ones who come to our doors do not only go out with words, but in their whole person. Will they be received? their image, presence, personality as they encounter people cold turkey? Or is this even important?

“Whoever shall not receive you NOR hear your words…” (Mt 10:14). There was a reception for Christ’s sent-out disciples that involved “receiving you” and “your words.” It is interesting that “your words” (logos) meant “expression of thought” of the disciple. The expression was involved, the way the disciple expressed.

In the book “Ministry of the Word,” the writer explains the formation of a Godly character, going through dealings under God’s hand. When does the “word become flesh” in a person? Over the molding process of the living God, one’s personality: inflections, humor, and ways can be a part of the ministry of the Word spoken. This is involved in the reception.

So this is about receiving one another in this Kingdom of Christ! As each is received, it seems it is a ministry of Christ Himself. The receptive “will in no wise lose their reward” (Mt 10:41). This is awesome!

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. AND WHO IS EQUAL TO SUCH A TASK?” (2 Cor 2:15-16).
 
“he that receives you, receives Me.”
(Luke 18:1)