A Generous Invitation
While exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and sharing his experience with Jesus, John was given a vision.
He was told to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches. And though these messages were given to literal churches of that time, they’re still just as relevant to and representative of our modern hearts today.
Now, for some context, let’s focus on Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea …
Jesus describes the church in Laodicea as being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They’re rich and comfortable, prosperous and self-sufficient, apathetic and indifferent. But despite these things, Jesus still offers a generous invitation:
“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.”
Revelation 3:20 NLT
Do you see it? Do you feel it?
This is an invitation for intimacy, relationship, and friendship with the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of everything.
But make no mistake, Jesus is a gentleman. He refuses to force Himself upon anyone. Instead, He pursues hearts and extends invitations…
…but we must open the door.
The church in Laodicea was full, but empty. They were disoriented by a false sense of security and control. They were successful according to the world’s standards, but distracted according to God’s standards.
And yet, Jesus still called out to them. Jesus still knocked for them. Just as He’s still calling out and knocking—for you. The same God who flung planets into space and carved mountains into existence wants to be near you and with you and to save you.
So if you hear Him calling out to your soul, or you feel Him knocking on the door of your heart, it’s your move.
He is waiting with open arms.
God So Loves You
If you’ve experienced any part of the Bible, you probably know that John 3:16 highlights a vital part of the gospel message…
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
Think about it:
“For God so loved the world …”
God didn’t merely like the world, but He loved the world. He loved you so much that He created you, made a way for you, and desired a forever relationship with you.
“… that he gave his one and only Son …”
Because of God’s immense love for the world, He gave—generously and sacrificially—His one and only Son … because it’s only through His death that we can have life.
“… that whoever believes in him …”
It’s not enough to know that Jesus existed as a real, historical person—James 2:19 reminds us that even the demons believe that and shudder. Believing in Jesus means we choose to trust Him as Savior and Master...