Open the Door to Jesus

When we hear an unexpected knock at our front door, it is natural for our minds to quickly determine the proper course of action.  The first consideration when it comes to opening the door concerns our current personal state and appearance.  The second may be the state of our house.  If we are in the middle of cleaning or things are in disarray, we may choose not to answer or open the door.  There may be a situation, depending on who is at the door, that we would exit the door or close it behind us.  This way we can politely engage with our visitor without the welcome offer of hospitality.  There are those who invite people in and apologise profusely the place is not immaculate, and others that seem to pay the condition no mind whatsoever.  Our homes and our hearts are personal things we all handle differently.

Another reason we might not open the door is because we do not recognise the person and do not want to converse with strangers or sales people.  Even when we know the person who knocks at the door it does not guarantee we are inclined to open the door.  Like the bride in the Song of Solomon, we might not immediately open the door because it does not fit in with our plans.  When her beloved husband came to the door and knocked, the bride lamented she had just bathed and climbed into bed.  It was an inconvenience to shed the covers, put on a robe, and get up go to open the door.  In the song after awhile she decided she would open the door only to find her beloved had departed and no one was there.

In Revelation 3, Jesus describes Himself standing at the door of the church of Laodicea and knocking, calling out to those inside.  Jesus said in Revelation 3:19-20, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."  It is possible for people who know and believe in Jesus, genuine believers, to ignore Jesus at the door.  We can be more focused on how presentable we are rather than His worthiness to be joyfully welcomed as our Saviour.  It is good for us to be zealous in our repentance for sin even as Zacchaeus was when Jesus came into His life and volunteered to dine with him.  The chief tax collector responded joyfully and immediately offered to give half of his goods to the poor and if he had swindled anyone to return four-fold.

When we open the door of our hearts to Jesus, He comes in and contributes all that is needed for our forgiveness and cleansing from sin.  He does not condemn us but works to change us from within.  I remember when my mum visited my house and as we were talking she was putting away cutlery and casually pulled out the plastic tray and gave it a good clean.  This was done cheerfully and without censure, a beautiful picture of the cleansing work Jesus does in our hearts and minds when we simply let Him in and fellowship with Him.  As long as we hide behind closed doors and block His entry, we deny Him and ourselves the opportunity for growth in our relationship.  Praise the LORD Jesus loves us, stands at the door and knocks, calling out our name as His beloved brethren.  Let's open the door and welcome Jesus into our lives for His glory.