Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV
Not so long ago in our history, friends would stop by without calling. These pop-in visits weren't considered rude but a normal part of friendship. As the hostess, you always had something to offer, coffee or tea, cake or cookies. You'd then sit down around the kitchen table and chat. Often about nothing in particular, frequently it was the same things you talked about at the last visit. But it wasn't the food or the conversation; it was about spending time with those you love.
In today's world, we've become too busy for such niceties. We still like to get together with friends, but now it's a coordinated calendar activity where we block time to meet for a few hours at a restaurant. It lacks the same intimacy as those impromptu visits.
Our friend, Jesus, stands at our doors, knocking. He knocks on everyone's doors, yours, mine, people we don't know, even people we may not care for–seeking entrance. He desires to enter; he wants to spend time with us. He doesn't care about the dirty house, screaming children, and barking dogs. He's been in many homes, most of them in disarray in some way.
He brings a unique hostess gift- salvation for those who respond, who hear his voice and open the door. At other times he brings different gifts like encouragement and peace–whatever is needed is what he offers. These presents, whatever they are, are always given in love.
Father God, thank you for your Son who stands at our doors knocking. May we be quick to answer. Help us slow down amid our lives' craziness and spend time in fellowship with you. May we not rush the meal but enjoy each other's company, friend to friend. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that remains always with us, a fond reminder of how much you care for us. In the name of our friend and savior, Jesus, we pray.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
An appropriate song to accompany the devotion Alan Jackson's rendering of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
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