Bridge to Life预览

Knock, Knock   

Have you ever heard a knock on your door only to realize it was someone you didn’t care to talk to? In that moment, you get really still and quiet in order to give the impression that no one is home. After a few more knocks, the person eventually leaves.

In Revelation 3:20, we read these words of Jesus,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (NIV)

What’s interesting is that these words were addressed to the Church of Laodicea. A few verses earlier, Jesus gave them these sobering words,

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV)

Being a coffee lover, I mostly prefer a piping hot cup o’ joe. On a warm summer day, I occasionally enjoy an iced coffee or cold brew. But I can’t stand coffee that was once hot but has grown lukewarm after sitting awhile.

It seems that those who were part of this church located in modern-day Turkey had grown lukewarm or indifferent in their commitment to Christ. Notice that Jesus says, “If anyone hears my voice…”

It’s as if Jesus is pleading for any individual member of this church to simply open the door and allow Him to join them. “Can anyone hear me in there? Is anyone home?

Maybe you’ve been part of a local church like this. Lots of seemingly good things happening. There’s even an impression of activity and success. Everyone responds, “I’m just fine, couldn’t be better!”, when asked, “How are you doing on this fine Sunday?”

There’s just one problem…Jesus is on the outside looking in. He’s knocking but nobody is responding. Everyone is too busy looking religious. This is a church where self-sufficiency resides. 

Back to the ‘anyone’ in verse 20. Will you choose to be the anyone? Will you break away from self-sufficient religion in order to open your heart’s door to Jesus? If so, this is what Jesus will do,

“I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Christ’s offer to dine with this church speaks of fellowship, communion, and intimacy. Sharing a meal in ancient times symbolized the union of people in loving fellowship. If one person (perhaps you) is willing to open the door to Jesus, perhaps others will have their own appetites stirred to sit down and dine with the Son of God.

After all, the party doesn’t begin without Jesus.

Prayer:

"Jesus, we gladly open the door of our hearts to You. In fact, please enjoy access to every last room or closet in our house. We desire to submit every area of our lives to You. What a joy and privilege to enjoy Your fellowship and the community of Your people. Help us to always hear your knock on our door. It's in Your name we pray, amen."