When I was young, I had a lingering wish that often moved over to my dreams. I envisioned Ed McMahon knocking on our door with that giant check from American Family Publishers. It never became a reality, but I enjoyed wishing for it.
I have a feeling that if a company tried to do that today, they would have a much harder time. People do not seem to want to open their front door anymore. Instead of large front porches, we build large, fenced backyards. For the most part, we do not seem to want unexpected guests anymore.
Sadly, this seems to be true in a spiritual sense as well. Jesus even implied it when He told the Christian in Laodicea, “See! 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) Think about the image that creates.
In the early 90’s, I purchased a famous print by Warner Sallman entitled “Heart’s Door.” It pictured Jesus knocking on a door, but Sallman included an element that speaks volumes. The door on which Jesus knocked had no handle or latch on the outside. It only could be opened from the inside – a creative and beautiful picture of what Jesus does. He does not force His way into our hearts, but He does knock.
When you become a Christian, Jesus saves you. However, He does not force us to continue to give Him control. He allows us to choose. He knocks, and we must open. Every day we face challenges, decisions, and trials; Jesus wants to help us deal with all of it, but He allows us to choose to wise way or the foolish way.
Too often we wait to open the door until we feel overwhelmed or guilty. Instead of allowing the One who knows all and who has our best interest in His heart to guide us, we want to use Him as an escape plan. We could allow Him to guide us every moment of our days, but we seldom do. Is it really surprising that we face so much regret and fear?
We may not want unexpected guests at our front door, but Jesus should not be an unexpected guest. He should be welcomed and treated with respect and love. Please do not leave Him outside – knocking to get inside.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
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