An Offer: Jesus Will Come In

by: William C. Brownson

A warning from Jesus, a promise, and now an amazing offer. I say amazing because of the people to whom the offer was originally made.

The church in Laodicea had a high opinion of itself. They felt that they were rich, had prospered, and needed nothing. But to the searching eye of the risen Lord they were “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Quite a different evaluation!

The Laodiceans were so self-satisfied and complacent, so lukewarm, that the Lord was ready to “spit them out” of his mouth. No other church in Asia had received that kind of withering rebuke. They were in desperate need of repentance.

Yet the Lord wanted to give them true riches, white robes to clothe them and new vision. His reproof and discipline were given, he said, because he loved them!

Then came the astonishing offer. “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.” To even the most proud, nauseating, and messed-up people, Jesus offers his abiding presence and fellowship when they turn afresh to him.

But it’s an offer we can refuse. He will not force his love upon us. He waits for us, until in broken-hearted trust, we open the door.