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.
Rev. 3:20
Today’s verse comes from In-N-Out Burger’s hamburger wrapper. I think
it’s fitting because Rev. 3:20 sounds like Jesus wants to eat with us.
However, I don’t really think Jesus wants to share your meal. According
to most commentators, eating here symbolizes intimate fellowship.
As I studied the context of this verse, I learned that these words are not to unbelievers – rather, they are to Christians. Jesus is talking to a large church located in
the wealthy Asian metropolitan city of Laodicea. The city sounds a lot like Tokyo, New York,
London or Shanghai today. Laodicea was
known for its flourishing banking, medical, and clothing industries.
By all earthly standards, the city and church were booming. Yet, Revelation 3 tells us that the Christians there were lukewarm. Perhaps the church had become like a social
club. Maybe the Christians had compromised Biblical standards for the morals of
the day. Obviously, these Christians weren’t experiencing fellowship with
Christ the way He intended.
But Jesus doesn’t condemn. Instead, He stands patiently outside the door and offers kind, loving
words. Jesus doesn’t force himself on anyone. He offers himself to everyone. It’s up to us to open the door.
If you’re
a believer, is Jesus waiting for you to desire intimate fellowship with him? If you
don’t, it’s OK to ask him for that desire. He already knows anyway.
If you’re
not a believer, Jesus waits for you too. He wants you to experience the eternal
life we talked about yesterday. He loves you.
Stacy
1 comment:
Good for In-N-Out! Unique way to share Truth.
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