Open Up!

Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me. REVELATION 3:20 AMP

Today's extract is written to one of the seven churches in Asia, and the words here are important for our consideration and growth. We know that the church is the extension of the Life and Word of God to the world; not the wonderful structures and edifices, but the redeemed people, who have been bought and called to a new life. However, it appears from today's extract that the founder of the church had been locked out of his own habitation. If he is the Lord of the church, why would he need to knock?

I must examine my life again today and review my priorities. Am I keeping up appearances, but without any inward conviction of the Presence of God in me? Have I achieved public acceptance, yet have no private and personal experience of the Lord of the church? We do the usual: sing, dance, raise hands, which are all good, but they must flow out of a life that has personally experienced God.

Jesus stands and knocks at the door of the church. Wherever the Person of  Christ dwells is his habitation, his church. He wants to come in and make a difference; he stands at the door of every life. Only those who open up receive  what is on offer, which is an invitation to a personal relationship with the Lord of the church. Note that though he knocks on the door of every life, the promise is to only those who open up. He won't force his way in; he won't compel you against your will.

What is your decision: will you let him in? The benefits are eternal, the choice is yours alone. His time of favour is here.