Dining Withe Deity

Dining With Deity

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to eat with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

      

     I would imagine that most of us have been asked, or have heard others asked, whom they would most like to sit down and have a meal with if the opportunity were made available. I’ve heard people respond by mentioning athletes, movie stars, music stars, authors, presidents, various world leaders, famous activists, and family members who have passed on whom they would love to converse with just once more. How would you answer the question?

   Most Christians would answer that they would choose to dine with Jesus, particularly if the question were asked with several Christians around to hear the answer. How does it make you feel knowing that if asked the same question Jesus would say that He’d most like to dine with you? In fact, He’s ready for that meal to begin right now. Let’s consider how that meal is accomplished in light of Revelation 3:20.

    First, remember that Jesus was speaking to those who were already Christians. However, they were Christians who had lost all zeal and enthusiasm for Christ and had become lukewarm, tepid, in their faith (vs. 15-16). In their case, our Lord was asking to be let back in.

    Second, take care to note that Jesus uses His words to knock on the door of their hearts. What He has to offer He offers to all (Matthew 11:28-30) but only those who hear His words and obey them actually receive it (Romans 10:17; John 14:15). To hear His knocking is to hear His voice. It is to hear and understand the message that He delivers. This means that He must be acknowledged for all that He is. He is our suffering Savior and He is our mighty King. The first cannot be accepted and the second rejected. Kings have authority over their subjects. How much more the King of kings and Lord of lords? 

    Third, do not fail to grasp the significance of the fact that Jesus is not going to loosen the hinges of the door with His pounding and then kick it open. He will not enter the heart that does not welcome Him humbly and meekly. If He comes in it will be because He was been invited. In fact, the Lord’s efforts and the necessary willingness of the saint to open the door provide clear proof of the freedom of the human will to choose or reject the divine call.

    If His words are obeyed and if the heart is opened to Him willingly than He gladly comes inside to sup with the saint. We are told that to the Oriental mind sharing a meal in one’s home signified “close confidence and affection.” This spiritual communion and fellowship with Christ, as wonderful as it is, is but a foretaste of the glory to be shared with Him in eternity.

    If you haven’t done so already, open the door to your heart and let Jesus inside. You do this by hearing His words and obeying Him in humility and selflessness. If you’ve already invited Him in never ask Him to leave. Jesus wants to dine with you. What a glorious thought!