And again He entered into Capernaum after some days, and it was noised that He was in the house. Mark 2:1
My mother agreed one time to look after a baby so his parents could have a brief vacation. The presence of that baby in the house made a remarkable difference in how the rest of us acted. As feeding time approached, there was no doubt that a baby was in the house. During nap time, the house was abnormally quiet as we tried to keep sounds to a minimum. When visitors came, it was very obvious to them that there was a baby in the house. With all of their needs, noises, and attention, babies have a way of making their presence obvious. But they don’t make as much difference as if the Lord Jesus was in the house.
I remember a family that was in constant poverty and hunger, because the father drank up most of the income. As poor as we were, we tried to give the children food and clothing because of their obvious need. But the Gospel reached that family, and the parents were saved. What a difference in that home! Money that used to run out the booze rathole was available for improving the family’s living conditions. We saw the improvements in the children’s health and appearance, in the parents’ happiness, in the new car in the driveway, in the repairs and renovations to the house, and many other ways. It became a delight to visit that home and rejoice in the difference that made it obvious that Jesus was there.
Your home, and mine, should be different from those around us because of the presence of our Lord. Those who live in the house should be different as we allow the Lord Jesus to determine how we dress and speak and act. The house should be obviously that of a Christian, with nothing present that would cause us shame if the Lord Jesus were to physically walk in the front door. Gospel texts and Christian literature should be in evidence. And the neighbours should be able to readily notice our regular departures for, and arrivals from, the meetings of the Assembly. Perhaps we can also dispense Gospel tracts and calendars, to let them know that our house is different because of Jesus’ presence.
Very few people in Capernaum were unaware that Jesus was in that house that day. How many of the people around us know that Jesus lives in our house? -Jim MacIntosh