KEEPING THE LORD OUTSIDE THE DOOR

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears MY VOICE and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me – Revelation 3:20

What an incredible picture these words paint in our minds’ eyes: Christ, the Lord of the Church stands knocking on the door of the last of the seven churches – the Church in Laodicea, asking them to let Him in. What an astonishing phenomenon to ponder on: Did the people behind the door not miss Him? Were they oblivious to the absence of the Lord of the Church? Who was the Source of their being? Who had been leading and directing them all the while?

This is the frightening possibility: one can build a gigantic edifice, found a great institution, or mobilize a massive movement, and call it a church, and yet marginalize Jesus in its activities, focus and purpose. The measure of a Christian ministry is how it sees and treats Christ. Despite the importance of the Spirit-filled living, if care is not taken, we can produce ‘believers’ who appear Spirit-filled but are not Jesus-thrilled! We can end up with a Christianity that is a mere system of principles devoid of the power of the Gospel – a Church that has cast out her Lord, a Headless caricature!

An individual can also keep the Lord outside the door of his or her heart, whereas only the heart – the throne is meant for Him! This is none less than the “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev.17:14). Isaiah saw Him “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple” (Isa.6:1). He is not seeking access into the human heart for His own sake, but for our benefit. It is a privilege for the Lord of all creation to choose to reside in the hearts of His creatures! The Lord knocking on the door is the Lamb of God. He knocks with the power of His nail-pierced hands. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and burdened with the chastisement of our peace (Isa. 53:5). His knocks leave a blood-mark on the door, an insignia of security that keeps the adversary at bay.

How dare you keep Him waiting outside a moment longer? Why not allow His Love to win your heart? O that you will without hesitation welcome the Lord at the door with an enthusiastic “Come in, come in Lord and take Your Place”!