Recently, I had a new front door installed. The contractor asked if I wanted a peephole, assuring me it only takes a few minutes to drill the necessary hole. While he was busy drilling, I made a quick run to Home Depot to buy the peephole. For just a few dollars, I’d have the security and comfort of being able to see who was knocking at my door before deciding whether to open it.
After all, a knock itself tells me nothing about who is standing at my door, preventing me from making “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; however, as the church is comprised of its people, many view it as representative of ourselves – our own hearts. Either way we look at it, Jesus does not leave the door’s owner wondering who is knocking. The story continues by revealing that Jesus is not just 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 as He admonishes the church, “…turn from your indifference.” (verse 19). And yet, we are still given a choice – even if we recognize His voice – He leaves it up to us whether to open the door and invite Him in.
So what happens next, after we open the door? Does He come in and immediately start rearranging the furniture? (some may hesitate to open the door for fear Jesus intends to point out everything wrong with their lives) But that’s not what happens. Rather, the verse says Jesus comes in to dine with us. Does this mean He has come in to take things away from us? (others hesitate to open the door for fear Jesus is only interested in removing from their lives the things we enjoy) Once again, the Scripture makes it clear this is not the case. The verse continues, “…and he [will dine] with me.” The NLT (New Living Translation) says it this way, “we will share a meal together as friends.”
Jesus has come for the relationship. He does not force down the door, He does not come in to condemn or to take. Rather, He has come to give – to give Himself.
“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
Shadia Hrichi
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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.