"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
So many times this passage gets used for come to Jesus moments. I've seen this used in many youth meetings and camps and conventions. While the intent is pure, I believe the interpretation is somewhat off. Jesus was saying this to a group of believers. Not unbelievers. So that means...
Jesus was knocking on the door of the church, where he should have already been inside. In a sense, Jesus was not there within the church at Laodicea. Jesus was saying, "Hey, I'm supposed to be represented by you, I'm supposed to be living through you!" "Invite me in and I will have true fellowship, true relationship, true communion with you!"
What do some churches do when they hear the Jesus Knock? They'd better tremble and seek the community of Christ once again. Note that this is NOT just about a group, but about an individual believer's response to being indifferent and non-impactful in their Christian walks. Lukewarm Christians equal lukewarm churches.
I would say there are many in our church that are aware of the Jesus knock. We even had a guy post a picture of this on our front Church door one Sunday! I am aware of the Jesus knock. I've heard it, and I realize my heart can become quickly indifferent to the things of God. I repent of this and seek to make Him known, and to have a relationship IN Christ. It's hard to admit, but I must be real and seek healing and renewal everyday. This passage points to renewal. But it also points to God's discipline and warning.
So, have you heard the Jesus knock lately?
2 comments:
Hello Derik,
Happy 12th Anniversary on the 12th! I hope that you and Allison had a wonderful Anniversary today. We are thinking about you. May God continue to bless you and your family. Love, Christy and family
Great post...
Saw a neat website on this very topic...
10 Questions To See If You Are a Lukewarm Christian
1 - Do Cares & Worries of This Life Dominate Most of Your Thoughts & Conversations?
2 - Do You Practice Sin on a Regular Basis?
3 - Do You "Love" The Things of This World More Than God's Word?
4 - Are You Too Busy for Jesus? What are Your Priorities?
5 - Do You Use God's Name In Vain? ('Oh My G-d?')
6 - Do You Fail to Pray Earnestly & Pray for the Lost Who Will Spend Eternity in Hell?
7 - Do You Fail to Preach the Gospel on a Regular Basis? OR Do You Hinder Others?
8 - Are You Indifferent About Your Sin? What is Your Attitude?
9 - Do You Seek After Worldly Wealth & Fame vs Seeking First The Kingdom of God?
10-Do You Fail to Obey Jesus, and God's Word Consistently?
Revelation 3:16 needs to be the standard we hold ourselves to!
Preach on, Brother Derik!
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