Open Up!

Open Up!

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV

Context:

It is important to note the context in which the words of today's extract were pronounced. These words were not written to ignorant, unsaved people, even though they also apply to them, but they were first addressed to the church in Laodicea. This was part of the body of Christ in the then Asia Minor; a church that, by God's estimate, had become so compromised that it was called the lukewarm church. God could not see a clear path of identity focus or direction; this had become a church that was neither hot nor cold. As I take careful stock of my life today, where do I stand too?

It is easy to point the finger at this church, criticise the target of the message and completely ignore the message and the messenger. The message is not now one of condemnation, but of caution, a call to spiritual self-examination and a change of heart and focus. If God's Word cannot change me from the inside, it may mean that I am truly lost. If God's Word cannot convict my heart about sin, righteousness and judgment, then I may be beyond help. What would God have me know, and what steps does he require me to take so I can be all that he desires?

Message and Response:

The first step must be a realisation of my need for his help. If I do not know that something is wrong, how do I take steps to correct it? If I cannot admit my helplessness, how do I embrace the grace that the Help of Israel can provide? One of the manifestations of the sin of Adam is pride: the self-sufficiency that is borne out of a desire to prove that I do not need anyone, and can take care of myself. Life has shown that man is clueless when it comes to what he truly needs; I am yet to see anything that is created then dictate purpose and direction for itself; its best service is to listen to and heed the direction of the Creator.  

It is the Creator who stands at the door, knocking. Don't forget: this was a church, where Christ should have been Lord, Master and King, now forced to stand outside, waiting to be let in. Even though this applies to a church, it applies to all the world too. We have asked God to leave parts of our lives alone, because we think we can figure things out on our own. We limit him to Christmas and Easter seasons, or at best when the old year is about to roll out, but on other times, we are masters of our own destinies. How does God control such a heart? How does God inspire such a heart to seek him and allow him full reign? How does such a heart experience all that is God's?

The Creator stands at the door and knocks. He does not give up easily, even when he is ignored and pushed out. This is the basis of the grace we all enjoy, that we have a Father whose love is not as fickle or transactional like the love of man. He knocks, waiting for the exercise of my freewill to open the door to him. He does not force himself on anyone; he will not impose his will on anyone. My heart must seek him of my own freewill and submit to Him. That is why the other part of today's extract is equally instructive: God would not keep quiet or keep away; he will continue to knock and call out. For anyone who hears and opens the door, God promises to come in.

What is the benefit of Jesus coming into my heart? Only eternity will be able to provide the full response to that, but from the earthly experience, it is obvious that if my life will make sense and be a blessing, it needs the personal touch and control of its creator. It is not enough to hear his voice; I have to open the door. It is not enough to just enjoy listening to his words; the complete change is only possible when he is in. Don't be content with just listening to or hearing his word; make sure that he has a permanent home in your heart. Don't give him temporary residence; make it settled status. God does not do half-hearted devotion; it is either all or nothing at all.  

Someone who is able to come in and eat with you is more than just a friend. He is one who you are intimate with, who knows the state of your house and all its parts, and can help where required. I also seem to note that the feeding is reciprocal: Jesus comes in to sup with me, and I can also partake of that which he is, has and offers, which is eternal life. I am not called to just give up all that I have for nothing, but what I get is good both for the present life and the life to come. Jesus will come in and take all that I offer him, but also give me something I could not get on my own, which is all that he is. When I have God, it does not really matter what else I do no have. If I do not have God, at the end of my life, it would not really matter what else I was able to acquire. 

All that the world gives are only good for this world alone, and will not follow me into eternity. I also note that when Jesus comes in, he is not asking me what he can get from me, but what he can offer me. He is not about taking, but first about giving. When I have his life, I have everything I need. I do not have what it takes to survive this earthly phase; I need the help of the Creator of the universe on this journey. His help is available; it has always been available. He just needs me to respond to his voice and knock, and open my heart to him. He will do the rest: sort me out on the physical and spiritual sides, and also guarantee me eternal life with him. What else could matter? His time of favour is here.