Who Is Knocking At Your Door?

All of us at one time or another have answered a knock at our front door. Sometimes, it will be an expected guest. While other times, it is an unexpected visitor. Regardless of the situation, we made the decision whether or not to let this person in our home. And with that decision, came both feelings of enjoyment or regret. It is the same in our spiritual walk through this world. We have people and things knocking on our hearts wanting to get inside. And, depending on who or what it is, their approaches are radically different.

In the Book of Genesis (19:1-11) we read of Lot and the visitors he encountered at his front door. While sitting at the gate to the city of Sodom, Lot saw two angels passing by. Concerned for their safety and well-being, he invited them to stay the night at his house. After Lot insisted, both men accepted his offer. Once inside the house, Lot heard a knock at his door. It was a group of men (young and old) from the city who had seen the visitors enter Lot's home. These men, full of moral depravity and lust, beat on the door demanding Lot bring his two visitors outside. It was there desire to have sexual relations with both. Lot begged the crowd to disperse and leave. In desperation, Lot even offered his two daughters to the men. This denial of their lust infuriated the men even more. After personally threatening Lot and attempting to break down the door to force their way in, the two angels pulled Lot back to the safety of the home and then blinded the men in the crowd.

Through the infinite wisdom of God, we read a very different version of a knock at the door in the Book of Revelation (3:11-22). Here we read of Jesus speaking to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He is cautioning them about the things to come. In verse 20, He tells the churches, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Jesus' approach to entering our dwelling is much different than that of the world. The first difference is His patience for us to answer. Unlike the world that tries to force themselves and their beliefs on us, Jesus stands at the door waiting for us to answer. In biblical times, the handle on the door(s) of a home was only located on the inside. It was up to the person in the home to come to the door and open it. Just like our relationship with the world or with the Word, we choose who we let in. The world will try to force their way into your home. On the other hand, Jesus calls to you and waits. Finally, the world always wants something from us. It takes and takes, rarely giving back anything in return. In the case of Lot's visitors, they wanted the two angels for their personal desires. While Jesus wants to enter into our dwelling to sup with us. This speaks into the more intimate and personal relationship He is offering. Jesus is promising close, personal communion with anyone who answers His call.

So my questions to you are simple. Who or what is knocking at your door? And, who or what are you inviting in?

Pastor Aaron