An Open and Shut Case

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8)

Imagine! There it is—the door to the kingdom—and it’s propped wide open! Before a congregation weak by the world’s standards, but strong in the Spirit, Jesus placed “an open door that no one can shut.” How encouraging! How inspiring! What a relief! “You’re doing great, Philadelphia! Just look to the door, and keep going! You’re almost there.”

About 50 miles to the Southeast was another congregation in a city named, Laodicea. These folks were the opposite of the Philadelphians—powerful, by monetary standards, but puny in spirit—neither hot nor cold, “in” for now but about to be “spit out.” They wavered at dawn, “waffled” for breakfast, and straddled fences ‘til dusk. So Jesus had a “door conversation” with them as well, but this one quite different

The Laodicean reality was not a door to the kingdom, wide open, but the door of their heart, slammed shut. Up to this point, these folks weren’t coming out, nor had they welcomed Jesus in. So He called to them, “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” (Revelation 3:20).  

How did the Laodiceans respond? I’m not sure. I like to think they removed the deadbolt in their soul and opened themselves to a heavenly glow filling their innermost being. I like to think they saw their opulence for what it was—either a gift to share or an idol to purge. I like to think they walked decisively toward the open door, side-by-side with their weaker-but-stronger neighbors from Philadelphia. This is for God to judge, though, for only He knows.

But what about you, and what about me? What will we do today? Will we shut ourselves in and Jesus out, or will we welcome Him who has opened wide the kingdom of heaven? We must decide what to do with our own door. That is an open and shut case.

Jesus, I confess I want all things my way. Even your salvation I want for my own purposes. I am sorry for straddling the fence between the allure of this world and the beauty of your kingdom. I am sorry for putting me before you and others. Forgive me. Strengthen me by your Spirit to open and offer myself to you always, for I have come to know this: nothing compares with you. Thank you!

[Read the text for today: Revelation 3:7-13.]

Come On In!

Many years ago as children, we would play outside for hours. There was so much to do and see outside, that to be forced to remain indoors seemed a form of punishment. But, there were some days when inside felt like a safe place.  When the neighborhood bully was on the rampage, or if it turned cold or rainy, we would want to go inside and play. Often on those days, for whatever reason, my mother would lock the door so we couldn't run in and out.

This memory bubbled up when I read verse Revelation 3:8. "See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut..."  As an adult who had come to recognize Jesus as my Savior and my friend, this open door was key. Just the thought that I am always welcome; expected even, bring comfort; and that the door to Jesus' heart never closes.

I know now my mom's patience had exhausted and she tired of us running in and out, tracking her clean floors with mud. At the time, I thought I was missing out. I feared there might be something going on that I needed to know about.

As I age I am coming to realize just how many of my childhood experiences defined me; that even at a ripe old age, memories can bring a grin or a tear. Traumatic memories surface, but so do the joyous ones. When we come to know Jesus and understand the power of forgiveness and repentance, we see the door open wide and we can step in, assured that we will not be shut out ever again.

When we feel low or doubt our reason for being, verses referring to open doors bring encouragement and peace: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)  "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

Revelation 3:7-13