Knock Knock

Pastor Tim Howard
August 22, 2009

It was 9:15 at night when I heard a knock at the door. As I sat in my chair and put my book down, I began to wonder who would possibly be knocking this late in the evening. I must admit, my first thought was to pretend I wasn’t there in hopes they would give up and go away, but the knocking continued in spite of my wish fullness. Was it someone selling magazines, was it someone wanting to steam clean my carpets for a really great deal or maybe a young child trying to sell candy bars for a school project? The only way to find out for sure was to open the door and invite them in.

In the Bible, John the apostle wrote the book of Revelation and in Chapter 3, verse 20, he uses figurative language to tell us what God says. “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 him, and he with me.”

I can understand why a person would not want to answer the door when someone comes knocking late at night or early in the morning. More often than not, those who are doing the knocking aren’t there for your benefit but seeking to solicit something from you. They want to take and not give. But what if the person who is knocking has your best interest in mind? Maybe he’s knocking to say the windows in your car are down and it’s raining. Possibly it’s a neighbor who wants to tell you he gave away his dog that constantly barks. What if it was the Reader’s Digest and you are the grand prize winner of the sweepstakes? Wouldn’t you run to the door and open it?

God doesn’t come to take anything from you because He already has everything. Col. 1:16 tells us this truth, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” He doesn’t need what you have! He knocks on your door because you need what he has! He knocks because He wants to develop a relationship and share His wealth with you. When you open the door to Jesus, you begin a two-way relationship. It’s not a monologue but a dialogue. He eats with you and you get to eat with him.

In 1973 a song called, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, was written and performed by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. It was about a sheriff who had been fatally shot and as darkness set in he began to knock on heaven’s door. The good news from the Bible is that you don’t need to die in order to have a relationship with God. He’s reaching out to you right now. You do, however, have to open the door and invite Him in.

Even though it was 9:15 p.m., I did open the door and invite those who were on the outside to come inside. They declined the offer because it was late but wanted to give me a delicious Apple Pie in case I wanted something sweet to eat before I retired for the night. Great Neighbors! What I would have missed if I hadn’t opened the door? Don’t miss what God has in store for you. Open the door to Jesus and invite Him in. You won’t be disappointed!