Does Jesus Want a Bite of Your Burger?

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