What a Reception

Last week, I had a hospital appointment.

On arrival, I went to reception.

The first thing I did was let the receptionist know that I am deaf.

He immediately picked up a pen and wrote the following for me:

Piece of paper with handwritten note.

‘I have checked you in’

‘Checked in’ means ‘known to have arrived’.

The hospital knew I was there.

When we turn to Jesus, our Saviour, He knows we’ve arrived.

We’ve checked in.

And, unlike me when I left the hospital, it is impossible to check out.

We are safe with Him.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them

out of my hand. John 10:28

‘Ground floor’

Once I’d checked in, I was told where to go.

I was told where to spend time.

Where do we spend time as Jesus-followers?

Wherever else we go, we are always with Him (Matthew 28:20).

In God’s Presence.

On holy ground.

“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5

‘Outpatients A’

Why Outpatients A? Why could I not go to Outpatients B?

Perhaps the seats are better in B, or maybe there is a nicer view from the window…

If I’d gone to Outpatients B, I would have been sitting in someone else’s place.

I would not have been in the right place to receive the care that I needed.

Perhaps in life, we ask ‘What if….?’ ‘Why….?’ ‘Has so-and-so got a better deal than me?’

Peter knew those feelings. And what did Jesus say to him?

Don’t compare.

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to

you? You must follow me.” John 21:22

I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD… Jeremiah 29:11 (emphasis mine)

‘Waiting Area 1’

If we are waiting in life right now, let’s be encouraged that we are waiting in

the right place.

We’ve checked in.

We’re in God’s Presence as we wait.

He knows exactly where we are.

Individually.

But those who trust in (or wait for) the LORD will find new strength. They will

soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will

walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

‘Please take a seat’

I was not instructed to stand and wait.

I was invited to take a seat.

To be as comfortable as possible while I waited.

To ‘take the weight off’.

To relax.

No-one forced me to sit down; I chose to do so.

Jesus gives us His Peace.

To help us be as comfortable as possible in our situations, whatever they may be.

Will we choose to receive it?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world

gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27