When Jesus Knocks… Is It Really About Salvation?
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock." Rev. 3:20a
I have often used the captioned verse to explain to a seeker that Jesus was knocking on the door of their heart and he was waiting for an invitation to enter and help them start a new life as a Jesus follower. However, in the context of the entire letter to the church in Laodicea, the intent is probably somewhat different.
The church in Laodicea was unremarkable. This church was not on fire with dynamic worship and preaching. They had no passion to reach out to those that did not know Jesus. On the other hand they were not resistant to the Gospel but had become casual about their faith. They had ceased to be on mission for Christ and instead they enjoyed fellowship with each other within the confines of the church. From the content of the letter to this church it seems like they had become a religious club with lots of money to do whatever they wanted to do.
Then Jesus issues a warning to them:
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."
This warning is followed up by some very tender words designed to get the attention of these lukewarm believers. Essentially Jesus is saying there is a way to avoid the discipline he intends to bring to this church. His preference is for the church to repent and invite him back in so he can help them become the church he intends them to be.
The knocking at the door requires a decision. They can ignore the gentle knocking and continue doing what they prefer to do in the church. Or they can open the door and let Jesus in. If they invite him in, his desire is to reestablish the relationship he had with them at the beginning. This is expressed by enjoying a meal together.
The letter to the church in Laodicea is a good reminder for all Jesus followers to regularly examine our relationship with him. When we find deficiencies we have the assurance that he is at the door waiting to reconcile with us and get us back on the mission he has in mind for us.
