Opening the Door

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Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:19-22

If you’ve been around church for any period of time, you’ve probably heard Revelation 3:20 before:

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

On a personal level, one of my most endearing memories growing up is a painting at my grandparents’ home of Jesus standing outside a door knocking—it is powerful imagery representing Christ and both His desire and love for us.

Interestingly, this verse of Jesus knocking on the door to our heart is often used when sharing the gospel—inviting nonbelievers to open their hearts and receive Christ for salvation. 

But what many people don’t realize is that this verse wasn’t originally written to unbelievers. It was written to the church!

The verses are part of what Jesus spoke to the church in Laodicea—people who already knew Him and believed in Him. And yet, He feels compelled to give them this invitation: Open the door and I come in and eat.

What does that mean for us?

It means that following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily invitation. Salvation is secure the moment we place our faith in Christ, absolutely! But our relationship with Him is ongoing and requires our action. Every day, we must choose to open our hearts, our minds, and our attention to Him. We open the door each day for Him to come and eat with us, and us with Him.

We do this when we listen for His voice. When we slow down enough to hear Him in the quiet.  When we seek Him in His Word and enter time of prayer. 

But that is not all. Revelation 3:20 is also a reminder that Jesus isn’t distant. He is present, near, and longing for closeness with you. Even when He feels far away, He is not. He loves you and longs to be with you.

So today, take a moment to pause. Open the door of your life to Him. Listen for His voice. Give Him your attention. He will come in.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to keep my heart open to You each day, to listen for Your voice. Help make that a priority in my life. Amen.