“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” — Rev. 3:20 (NRSV)
This verse has been used countless times through the years as an invitation to become a Christian. It has been the inspiration for numerous paintings. It is a wonderfully inspiring thought.
But did you know that Jesus spoke this words not to unbelievers but to believers?
This verse appears in the context of Rev. 3:14-22, which is Christ’s message to the church of Laodicea. You know, the ones he said he wanted to vomit out because they were lukewarm. Let’s take a moment to get the whole picture. From the New Living Translation:
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Jesus is speaking these words to a church. A church that believes they are doing great! No doubt attendance and giving was impressive. They probably had a top-notch music ministry. But Jesus said they had lost touch with what really mattered. Their riches and fine clothing were completely based on earthly values rather than the treasure of heaven. He said they deserved his discipline.
Jesus wasn’t knocking on the door of strangers, he was knocking on the door of people who already knew him—but had never invited him completely in. In church circles you often hear phrases used for Jesus like “Lord and Savior.” Those are two very different things. The church in Laodicea knew Jesus as Savior only, and Jesus said that making only that partial commitment deserves his correction and discipline—and does not constitute full victory.
Making Jesus Lord of your life means making him part of your life completely. Part of your every decision. In fact, part of your every motive and thought. It is impossible to have him that deeply inside you and be lukewarm. It is a much deeper level of commitment—and the only kind that Jesus describes as victorious.
Thoughts Along the Way 