OPEN INVITATION
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me."
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that Jesus invites us into a personal relationship. Yes, He’s the Creator of all things and holds the universe in His hands, but He’s also near enough to knock at our door. He’s close. He’s willing and interested in spending time with us, like friends who share a meal. Jesus knows who you are. He knows everything about you. No matter what you’ve said or done, Jesus continues to pursue you and offers you an open invitation to intimacy.
Jesus also says if anyone hears My voice. There are all kinds of things that keep us from hearing God’s voice: Fear of what He might say, doubt that He even speaks, the busyness and pace of life. God has come near, but we’ll only hear the knock and know His voice when we pause to listen. May we silence some of the noise in our lives in order to discern the still, small voice of the one who seeks our attention.
The other interesting thing about this passage is that while Jesus knocks, it’s our choice whether or not to open the door. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t kick down the door. He simply knocks and invites us to say yes and allow Him in. Of all the things Jesus could be doing, He stands at the doorway of your life and simply says I’m here, let Me in. He values you enough to let you decide. Jesus said yes to you. Will you say yes to Him?
APPLICATION:
What’s stirring in your heart today? Bring your cares and burdens to Him and allow Him to love you as you are.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I say yes to Your invitation. I open the door for You to come in. Thank You for Your interest in me and Your desire to spend time with me as a friend. Forgive me for the way I reach to other things to fill places that only You can fill. I pray You’ll break down obstacles and walls that stand in the way of a deeper relationship with You. Help me feel Your closeness today. Because of who You are, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?