Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…

By Jennifer Moreno

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.”

You’ve probably heard this verse before and while it sounds beautiful, in this context Jesus is really speaking to seven churches in Asia Minor. Jesus was specifically speaking about issues within each of the seven churches and in that one He was addressing the church at Laodicea.

The church was spiritually arrogant and blind. Its members thought they were rich and without needs, self sufficient. But in that letter Christ is counseling them so that they can see how far they had fallen and their need for repentance.

This very verse still applies to churches today, to churches that step away from true doctrine and fall into dogma and legalistic ways. Jesus used this verse as a metaphor to tell His people, his disciples’ the urgent need to stay spiritually alert and to listen to His voice ONLY!

What I’m trying to say here is that while this verse is usually used to show Jesus patiently waiting for you, but it really was meant for those churches that were having internal issues.

I think it’s important to note that while these churches were having issues, Jesus still showed grace and love. Essentially saying He is waiting for them to open the door and listen to Him. In essence that still applies to Christians today in many churches.

If you notice, sheep have a distinct ability to listen to their shepherd’s voice and when it’s not their shepherd’s voice, they run away. Unfortunately that isn’t what happens to Christians when they hear another voice, instead they listen to it. Such as not staying true to the word of G-d, listening to false doctrine, sensationalizing the church, misusing the name of G-d, liberalism, or glorifying themselves and selfishly seeking ambition and self righteousness.

Friends, Jesus is always speaking and He’s especially speaking to His sheep, but are we truly listening? Are we awake? Who are we listening to and why are we not reading the word of G-d?

There is never a time where G-d is silent, just like the scripture says in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

G-d is in the midst even when we don’t realize it. He is continuously knocking at your heart no matter where you are at, He wants you to hear His voice. Few hear his voice, and few will open the door, but never mistake the apathy or numbness of people for His absence.

Folks, if we don’t listen to the shepherd’s voice, we will get lost, just like sheep get lost. 1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”

When we open the door to Jesus, we’re inviting Him into our lives and letting Him make a home in our hearts. His true servants open the door and listen to Him.

Like Romans 5:1 says “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”

I leave you with this last verse, “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”