Revelation 3:20-23 (CEB)

20 Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will have dinner with me. 21 As for those who emerge victorious, I will allow them to sit with me on my throne, just as I emerged victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”


Reflection

It’s times like these that I wish I was good at coming up with jokes, because I feel like this would be a great time for a “Knock, Knock” joke.

I appreciate this image though, of Jesus knocking on our door, ready to join us for dinner – breaking bread, laughing, sharing stories, building relationships with us. But do we hear Christ’s voice? Are we even listening? Do we turn up the volumes on our televisions or stereo’s when there’s knocking at our door? Do we close our blinds and pretend we’re not home? It’s no way to treat a friend, it’s no way to grow closer to someone – yet we do this.

And why? What is Jesus saying will happen if we listen for Christ’s voice and open the door when there’s knocking? Community. Eternity with God. Guidance from the Spirit. That sounds great, sign me up! We wouldn’t do this if it was one of our loved ones, perhaps a friend, a partner, a family member, yet we’re quick to ignore Christ’ invitations for another dinner guest.

In this text, that comes from a run of messages to different churches, Jesus is saying, “Look!” Jesus is telling us to stop trying to drown God out, not to ignore the Spirits’ constant attempts to reach out to us, and invite Jesus in.

By Rachel Callender


For Pondering & Prayer

Can you think of a time when God was trying to connect with you or reach out to you? How did you feel? What did you do? What was the result of what you did?

Prayer: Loving Lord, you who created each beautiful spring day and each blooming flower, you keep knocking on our doors. Give us the strength and courage to answer and invite you in. Amen.