Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me. Revelation 3:19b-20 (VOICE)
When you read today's text you have to ask yourself "Am I listening for the knock?" The Bible is pretty clear that God is the one who initiates the relationship with us. He's talking, knocking, and impressing (among other things). Do you think we get so wrapped up in ourselves we don't hear it?
And what does it look like when we do hear it and open the door? I imagine sometimes we say things like:
"Sure Jesus, please come in. It's Tuesday night and I am watching my shows. Do you want to sit here on the couch with me?" Or how about "Jesus, Nice of you to stop by. I want to invite you in but it's super messy in here. If you would just stand out there while I clean up I'll invite you in when I'm ready." Here's another. "Jesus! Oh, I wasn't expecting you to come now. I am so busy and gosh, I just don't have time for a conversation. Can you come back in a week or two? I can clear my schedule." One more. "Jesus, I would invite you in but I'm a little anxious about that. I'm pretty sure you would ask me to change things and do some things for you that I am uncomfortable with."
And then we say things like, "I never hear God."
Jesus wants you to "Be shamelessly committed to Him." like it says in verse 19 but he will not force himself on you. Jesus is always knocking. He's always talking and believe it or not, when we offer these excuses he doesn't push open the door and barge in. He says "Let's take this one step at a time. I am here when you are ready." But at some point, if you want to have a relationship with him, you are going to have to stop making excuses and open the door.