August 7 See. Listen.

Revelation 3:20-21 “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 him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
 
SOME Bible translations begin this with “Behold!”. Another says, “Listen!.” “Here I am!” His message is urgent. He’s coming through the door in power and strength. See this, too, in Psalm 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Yes, open that door! Let him completely into your life. HIs truth will transform you. His glorious love will make you new.
    Perhaps you’ve seen the painting of Christ knocking on the door, awaiting, it seems, for someone to open up and receive him. Many teach this is Jesus knocking on the door of every person’s heart, anticipating their decision to open it or not. But remember, Revelation is Jesus’ message is to his church, those already confessing faith in Christ. The Lord is coming to his own. The Bible teaches we have no power within us to decide to open our hearts to Christ. It is the Holy Spirit, who births our faith to open the door and welcome the Jesus into our lives. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘'You must be born again.’”
    Do you confess Jesus, “Lord. Savior”? Then thank God that the King of glory has come in!
    Thus, in the context of this Scripture, Jesus is knocking on the door of his church. Inside are people who have confessed he is Lord and Savior. He is calling his church to see, to behold, his glory, to listen to his teaching, to live fully into his power.
    Church doors go shut against Jesus when a church’s heart become lukewarm and forgets its first love. Doors shut when false teaching enters, and sexual immorality is accepted as normal. Church leaders lock out Jesus when they turn their eyes from his glory to advance their own agenda.
     Behold, then, and listen to the Lord’s great love. God’s story from Genesis to Revelation is to tell you he has “prepared a table before (you) in the presence of my enemies. (He) anoints you r head with oil; (your) cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow (you) all the days of my life, and (you) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (from Psalm 23).
    Receive the Lord’s glorious salvation and his true promises. Be eager to open wide your heart’s door to see and hear the King.
 
Prayer: Thank you for your overflowing cup of glory, Lord Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.