Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.

Revelation 3:20 (NCV)

In St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, there is a painting by Holman Hunt which depicts Jesus knocking on a door. Interestingly, there is no door knob on the outside of the door. Jesus always knocks, always asks permission. He never forces Himself on anyone, so He would never open the door and walk right in. But so many people ignore His knock and choose self-sufficiency—a life of striving, over a life of surrender. While this verse is actually written to a church, because apathy in churches happens far too often, it applies to individuals, even Christians, as well. Because sometimes, we find ourselves standing with a door between us and Jesus. When He knocks, we expect Him to burst right in, even though it’s our job to turn the knob.

We find ourselves staring at that heavy door when our calendars are too full, when our busyness makes it hard to even hear His knocking, let alone find time to answer the door. If we do we hear Him, rarely do we invite Him in for an intimate conversation, or simply welcome Him with praise and worship. We are far more likely to say, “Hey Jesus! Thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad I’m saved, but my schedule is already full for today and the rest of the week. Perhaps you could try again next Monday?” But when He does, He finds the same self-focused, messed up priorities and obligations, the same full calendar, and the same apathy He sees every day. 

Fortunately for you, Jesus keeps knocking and waiting for the door to be opened. Perhaps rather than seeking the heart of your Savior, you are looking to others to show you how to be a good Christian. Maybe you are simply going through the motions and think it is enough. But copycat faith isn’t faith! Jesus opened heaven for you, and the only thing He asks is for you to open your heart to Him and stay connected. He wants you to know Him more, and He will show you exactly how to connect with Him. He will always deliver what your heart craves. You just need to open the door! You are loved! 

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”  Psalm 27:8