When I was little, my Dad used to drop me off at a nearby church so I could go
to the Sunday School they had there. We weren’t a church-type family so what I
saw and heard there was all new to me. And I remember this painting they had of
Jesus - now I know it’s one of the most famous ones painted in modern times. You
may have seen it. Jesus is in a garden, and He’s knocking on what looks to be a
big oak door. The man who painted it was named Holman Hunt. And when he was
ready to unveil it for the first time, he called his friends and family together
to be the first to see it. Well, it was pretty quiet as each person stood there
and drank in the deep feeling that painting conveys. Then people began to
comment on what impressed them about it. But one friend said hesitantly,
"Uh, Holman - it’s a beautiful painting. But - well, didn’t you forget
something?"
"What did I forget?"
The friend said, "The handle. There’s no handle on the door."
To which the artist simply replied, "Oh! No, I didn’t forget the handle. When
Jesus knocks on the door of your heart - the handle’s on the INSIDE."
This painting was based on Jesus’ own words, recorded in our word for today from
the Word of God, Revelation 3:20. It was a statement made originally to
believers who had left Jesus out. But it also provides a wonderful word picture
of the process by which any person begins a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens
the door, I will come in." It’s real important that we understand what Jesus is
saying here - it helps us determine whether He is inside your heart - or
outside. It’s literally the difference between eternity in heaven . . . Or
eternity in hell. I hope you can use this invitation of Jesus to determine
exactly where you stand with Him.
Jesus says Step 1 is the knocking. I believe that happens in your heart when you
start experiencing a spiritual tug inside . . . A restlessness that life must be
more than this . . . A strange stirring inside that starts you looking God’s
direction. Then comes Step 2 - you realize what you’re looking for - actually
Who you’re looking for. In Jesus’ words, you "hear My voice." You realize what
you are looking for is Jesus . . . That the only way to be forgiven by God is to
give yourself to the One who paid for your sins with His life.
A lot of people have come that far. But Jesus is still outside. Jesus said, "If
anyone opens the door, I will come in." And notice who opens the door. Jesus
doesn’t push His way in. He waits for you to open the door. The handle’s on the
inside. And it may be that you have never opened that door.
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please
authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances
dictate.
Thanks to Daily Wisdom
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