Welcome to Hank’s Place
Today we are finishing up our look at the grace of God upon the 7 churches found in the Book of Revelation.
Today – it’s that well known verse, Rev 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Now here is something you may not have known. Under Roman law any visiting official had the power to requisition lodgings for themselves and their entourage. Even their soldiers. Nobody could shut their door. But the Laodiceans were not “Nobodies.” They were proud, and in 40 BC, closed their doors to Roman general Labienus Parthicus. And on another occasion, the future emperor Antoninus had stayed in the home of a wealthy Laodicean called Polemo. Polemo, who was out of town at the time, was so angry upon his return, that he kicked Antoninus out. The future emperor!
So, the Laodiceans were famous for their locked and closed doors. Now we have Jesus gently knocking, asking to come in! Whoa! This is amazing! Here is the Lord of the Universe outside the worst church in the Bible, asking to enter and dine with them. What a breathtaking picture of Grace!
Jesus said, “if anyone hears my voice,” so these letters are for all of us, and that door is also the door of our hearts. Jesus comes to meet with each of us – right where we are at. Right where we live.
We open the door by saying “Yes” to Jesus.
No hoops.
No entrance exam.
No performance standard to meet.
To dine with Jesus means to enjoy one another’s company.
In verse 21 Jesus promises overcomers will sit down with Him on His throne. Ephesians 2:6 declares believers have already been seated with Christ in the heavenlies. God has seated us with Christ. We have been seated in Christ, with Him upon His throne.
Jesus is telling the Laodiceans discard their self-righteousness and allow Him to elevate them to the very throne of God! Wow!
Dear friend, in this look at the 7 churches, have you found Jesus to be the same, yesterday, today, and forever? My takeaway is – run to Jesus, trust in Jesus, cling to Jesus – and COME ALIVE!
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