I had one of those first ever experiences yesterday. I had an appointment with the surgeon who did some work on me last week. It was just a “how ya’ doin’” kind of checkup because all was going so well. My wife went with me and we walked into this multistoried building and I showed her the surgeon’s group’s office suite. I reached for the door to go in and…it was locked! They had confirmed the day and time for the appointment and I had confirmed the time on paperwork they had given me. I was stunned and then I looked around and there were several people who were just standing around the door silently looking at it. One of them broke the silence by affirming what I had found…the door was locked from the inside and no one could get in. I went outside the office complex and looked in a window and there were a few folks in the waiting room and receptionists at their posts, heads focused on computer screens. My first thought was “Could it be possible that they were all being held hostage inside?” But there was no sense of destress or concern. I started banging on and waving at the window and one of the ladies left her computer and headed for the door. She opened it up and here were all of us standing in the hallway. She started to say something and then realized that there was a lock mechanism that apparently someone unknowingly or as a joke had switched on the doorknob as they left for home. We all chuckled, headed inside and were able to do what we came there for. I sat down and couldn’t help but think that this was a great illustration of what the human condition is. The Bible says that Jesus stands at the door of each of our hearts. But like this door…it is designed to be opened only from the inside. He promises that he is knocking and if we will hear his voice and open the door of our hearts to him…he will come in and make his home with us. But the door doesn’t open from the outside, no one can break into our hearts…we must open that door for any influence or idea or person to come and shape our hearts and minds. But just like that office yesterday…they need to hear that knocking and the voice calling before they will open that door to their hearts. And every follower of this Jesus of the Bible has the ability to make that noise at the door louder by our life, our love and our language. We are not just converts to Jesus…we are followers of him. Live your life like you belong to the Kingdom of God. Love folks. In today’s world, that’s enough to get people’s attention and curiosity moving in God’s direction. And then use your language…tell folks what the Lord has done for you when he gives you the right time and opportunity. And you just might be God’s catalyst to open someone else’s ears so that they can hear God’s knock at the door of their lives. And then all they need to do it go and unlock it…and let him in. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Revelation 3:20 NLT “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ
Revelation 3:20 NLT “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ