I stand at the door and knock…

My wife wrote the following story about a memory from her childhood…

“My Grandmother had a calendar hanging in her bedroom…

The picture on the calendar was Jesus standing at the door knocking.

Someone pointed out to me years later the door was latched and there was no handle on the outside…

The door had to be unlocked from the inside to allow Jesus to enter….

There are many commentaries on the internet about the symbolism of the picture.

What I think about is how long Jesus stood outside waiting for me to invite him in.

There were times in my life my door was tightly bolted.

My efforts to bar Jesus, to keep him on the outside did not deter him.

Patiently, he continued to knock on the door of my heart.

When I turned 52, I opened the door.

Often I think back about why I kept him outside for so long.

I am stunned when I think how long He waited for me.

I am amazed the God of the Universe didn’t give up on me.

He tells me He has plans for my life, plans to prosper me and not harm me.

Admittedly, I got a late start, but I’ve realized it’s never too late to accept the invitation and open the door.

God won’t barge his way into our lives.  He won’t harass or bully us to open the door.

I am humbled by his gentle persistence, by the image of Jesus waiting to be allowed inside…”

Revelations 3:30 20-21

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.  21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.