Not Just Any Door

RestRoomsI was shopping and decided it was time to visit the rest room. Following the sign down a hallway I kept my eyes open for the proper door. The one marked Ladies appeared and I entered.

There is a lot of controversy these days about who has access to certain such doors. I won’t go into that subject, but my shopping experience brings to mind a key message from the LORD Himself.

Scripture tells us that God sent an angel to direct John to record the testimony of the Lord Jesus contained in the book of Revelation. It includes this memorable passage.

doorknocker“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 him, and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Folks often use this verse to explain to non-believers that they need to open the door of their hearts to accept Jesus as their personal savior. I suppose it might be helpful for that purpose, but it’s actually a mistaken rendering of its meaning.

First, the description of the scene is part of a passage written to believers, a whole group of them gathering as a church in a place called Laodicea. You can check that out in verse 14.

Second, the message to them begins with a direct complaint against their congregation. In verse 16 the members are called “lukewarm” and told that Jesus is “about to spit [them] out of [His] mouth”. Verse 19 explains that this rebuke and discipline are acts of love, and the desired … required response is to be repentance of the sincere … wholehearted … fervent … intense … diligent … zealous … profound … urgent variety.

This door … the one at which Jesus the Christ attends and raps, is marked Repentant Believers. And the promise it holds for every heir of the kingdom who turns the knob is a a meal shared with their Shepherd, the Savior of the world. Where false pretenses no longer interfere and true fellowship is marked by intimate communication.

Door

The tapping on the door is the signal that we need to get our meekness on straight. We need to throw off the capable illusion we spin for those around us that doesn’t fool the Father one iota.

We need to confess the sin of self-absorption, arrogance, idolatry. The kind of confession that involves sorrow over, hatred for, and forsaking of sin.

Then we can reach out a hand of honest humility to open the door as we yield over our rebellious will to the One who is waiting patiently for us to do exactly that.

That process might sound like a massive effort, but it’s really nothing more than recognizing what it takes to maintain the balance we seek. The balance that leads to fulfillment and joy.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33  It’s as simple as that.

May our ears be tuned to the tapping and our hearts quick to open the door.

firmly holding my Jesus umbrella,
Sandra