DOOR OF WELCOME

Behold, I stand at the door and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20

For years, in church classrooms and even in the homes of Christian people, one could find the picture of Jesus knocking on a door. Jesus is seen holding a lantern in his left hand standing at a door with His hand in knocking position, hoping to be invited to enter. A house itself is not prominent but the door is enough to give the impression of a building. For many years, I didn't really notice one of the most important parts of that picture. As the lantern's light glowed against the door, it seemed to reflect the shape of a heart. The real evident thing about the door is that there is no door knob or handle on the outside. The door in the picture has to opened from the inside.

I've heard evangelists refer to this picture that Jesus was knocking on the door of the heart of an unsaved person. However, the above verse is found where God is speaking to the seven churches in Revelation. In fact, God is speaking to the church at Laodicea, a church satisfied with their lives and yet was a lukewarm church at best.

Prior to the above verse in verse 19, we find not just a rebuke but an invitation is extended. It's a verse that moves right into verse 20 where God says:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent.

Have you ever gone to someone's house for whatever reason where you knocked on the door but there was no response? You knew someone was home. but they just didn't answer the door. We have a picture of a very loving Savior knocking on the door of one's heart. Jesus will never force Himself on us. His promise to us is if we open the door of our hearts to Him, He will enter where He can fellowship with us and we with Him. His fellowship with us is one on one, very personal.

I've asked myself when the last time was that I opened my Bible and prayerfully asked Jesus to enter through His Holy Spirit and then to give Him unlimited time for us to be together in close fellowship. How often do I leave Him outside knocking on the door of my heart, trying to draw me to Himself but I'm just too busy or spiritual numb. May He never have to knock twice when He calls on any of us.

Dear Jesus, no one has come close to do for me all You have done. You continue to love me despite my spiritual slackness at times. Forgive me for those times I have left You standing outside the door of my heart. May I consistently desire more times of fellowship with You. In Your precious name....Amen