Recently, I had a new front door installed on my home. Upon inspecting the door, the contractor asked if I wanted a peephole installed. He assured me it would only take a few extra minutes. While he was busy drilling the hole, I made a quick run to Home Depot to purchase the peephole. After all, a few dollars is well worth the security and comfort of being able to see who was knocking at the door, wouldn’t you agree?
A knock itself tells us nothing about who is standing at our door. How then can we make an informed decision? Apparently, making an informed decision was important to Jesus as well. In Chapter 3 of Revelation, we read that Jesus is standing at a door, knocking.
“Behold! I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 NIV
In this context, the door represents the church. Specifically, the church at Laodicea, which had become “lukewarm.” The story continues by revealing that Jesus is not only knocking. He is also speaking from the other side of the door. “If any man hears my voice…” Have you ever wondered what Jesus was saying from outside the closed door? The previous verse gives us a bit of a clue.
“…turn from your indifference.” (verse 19).
They are given a choice. Even though they hear His voice, He leaves it up to them whether to open the door and invite Him in.
What happens after the door is opened? Does Jesus come barreling in and start pointing out their dirty laundry or rearranging the furniture? Scripture makes it clear this is not the case. The verse goes on to explain that Jesus knocks on the door so that, “…he [will dine] with me.” The NLT (New Living Translation) says it this way, “we will share a meal together as friends.”
From the beginning, God’s heart for His people is to enjoy relationship. He never forces His way into our lives, or enters in order to condemn us. God sent His beloved Son Jesus into the world so that through Him, we can become children of God.
“He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:10-12 NLT
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Shadia is an award-winning author and Bible teacher, who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies as well as a master’s in criminal justice. She is the author of award-winning Bible study series, “Behind the SEEN: Exploring the Bible’s Unsung Heroes.”
At some point in our walk I think we all feel like Jesus has come to “discipline” us out of our cussing, or gossiping, or telling a crude joke, or not going out to the bar with some friends, or not wearing that revealing blouse. Whatever the case. But after receiving so much of His love, I’ve learned that He already knew I was going to do all those things, and He STILL died for me.
It is Satan who guilts us and lies to us and distorts the truth about Jesus just wanting to be with us (in our hearts, in our lives).
Thank you Jesus for loving me. That is enough.
Beautifully said, my friend. 🙂
What is the world saying to Christ who wants to join us and have fellowship with us?
The world is saying “there is no place for you here’. No vacancy – sounds familiar.
The world has no place for Christ but it has place for sin. Adultery, homosexuality, alcoholism, drugs, pride, abortions, gluttony, theft and much more.
The world loves its season of sin more than it loves Christ. But the day of reckoning is coming.
Hi Desmond. Thank you for sharing your insights. I agree that there are many in the world responding just as you described (regrettably, I used to be one of those voices myself). Praise the Lord that He invites every person to turn from their sin and if/when they do, their past sins are washed away. Each person will have to make a choice for themselves and like you said, the day of reckoning will come. Let us pray that many will turn to the Lord in humble repentance and find the sweet forgiveness that is available to everyone who calls on His Name.