I am a Jesus pusher!!! Peter did not preach without expecting response. He cried, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” (Acts 2:38). The third verb in this statement is a Greek word (lambano) translated shall receive. It has two applications in the Scriptures. It expresses the emphasis of “to take, seize, lay hold of.” It has the idea of force or violence. In Peter’s statement, a new believer would aggressively want, desire, seek and long to receive. There is no resistance or hesitation. This is my attitude toward the fullness of Jesus.
A second application of this Greek word (lambano) is “to receive what is given, imparted, imposed, or to obtain.” The focus is not as aggressive. It is passive with an emphasis on receptivity and openness. I recognize the pouring out of the Spirit of Jesus upon me. I am drenched in His presence. There is no force, no battle. I simply am swept away in His grace.
Both are true in our passage. I do not need to choose between them. My hunger for Him is satisfied. His fullness is mine. I sought Him; He found me. I ask Him; He answered. I knocked; He opened. My heart continues to aggressively seek; He continues to embrace and fill. What a Jesus! I am a Jesus pusher!!!