Jesus Knocking?​

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by David G. Rose

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     In the second and third chapter of the book of Revelation, we read the letters of Christ to the seven churches in western Asia Minor. That area today is known as western Turkey. Each letter describes the condition of that local church and the vision Christ has for them.

     In Revelation 3:14, Christ is writing to the church at Laodicea. The spiritual condition of this church was described as lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. Laodicea had compromised with the world and resembled the popular culture rather than the true Church. Though they professed to be Christian, they were spiritually “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17 KJV)

     But Christ still loved them and wanted them to become a revived congregation flowing in the life of the Spirit. It is in this setting that Jesus issues the loving call to repentance in Revelation 3:20, “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.”

     When Jesus says that He stands at the door and knocks, what is being revealed? Obviously, Jesus is on the outside of a church that professes that He is inside! How pitiful. Was their action deliberate? Or were they spiritually dead? How could the leaders of the church continue to go through the rites and rituals each service and not sense that Christ was not present?

     Regardless, Christ still attempted to gain access to the local church. All it would require was for the leaders and congregation to respond to His call and to admit the Savior into His church. Can you feel the love that Christ has for His people? 

     In this passage, Jesus is seen outside of the church and knocking on the door. How does Jesus knock on the door of a church? He challenges the leaders to preach the Word without fear or favor. Or as the Apostle Paul stated in Acts 20:27, “Declare the whole counsel of God.” Know this, when the Name of Jesus is lifted up, all men will be drawn to Him. (John 12:32)

     Also, Jesus knocks on the conscience of every declared Believer. He desires to stir us to holy action. Paul described it this way in Hebrews 10:22 NIV, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”  

     Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts and desires that we will hear His voice and will open the door. This is a choice of our will. He will not override our free will. But when we invite Jesus in, we will receive harmonious reconciliation, sweet communion, and the refreshing of the Holy Spirit. 

     Please don’t ignore the knocking of Christ on the door of your heart?

Next week: Common Salvation
 

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