I Stand at the Door and Knock?
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, 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." Aw, Jesus is such a polite guest, isn't he? He stands at the door of our hearts if we'd just open up and let him in. At least, that's the picture we paint with that verse. But that's not the context. Jesus is addressing the church at Laodicea, to whom he gives another famous verse: "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. So because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth." And he rebukes them for their complacent faith (Revelation 3:16). "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." That's verse 19, right before he says, "I stand at the door and knock." This is not the picture of a guest looking for someone to welcome him into their heart. Jesus Christ is the master of the house. And when the Master comes...