"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..."

"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." (Revelation 3:20)

This little verse is often used as part of an invitation to the lost to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. And for that purpose it has been very effective.

However, the verse appears in the middle of a letter to the Churches in Asia. In that context its primary invitation is to the pre-dispersal Church and by extension to the Church today.

Ever the perfect Gentleman, God does not even force His presence upon believers. He has given each of us authority over our own minds and hearts. That door requires Him to knock, as it has no handle on the outside. The human heart can only be accessed from the inside with permission-- by other men, by God or by demons. They may whisper, even shout from the outside. But they may not enter in for an extended visit without us opening the door in welcome.

Remember, you may not be able to keep birds from flying over your head. However, you do not have to allow them to make a nest in your hair.

Have a wonder-filled rest-of-the-month.