An Invitation to Dine
"Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me (Revelation 3:20 NASB).
This is a strikingly symbolic painting of Christ knocking on a wooden door with no latch on the outside. This work of art reveals a stirring picture of God's love as He pursues us even still; opening the door for the purpose of an intimate relationship is ours alone being that the latch is on the inside. The act of knocking on the door implies that God desires admittance and that he recognizes the right of the resident to let Him in. . .or not.
Pondering:
I'm a Christian but I'm afraid to release all control to God it feels wrong not to be in control of parts of my life. How can I change how I feel?
Coaching:
We change our feelings with knowledge. In ancient times guests dined with friends by ritual invitation. It was a very important part of relationships. The guests' feet were washed upon arrival to make them comfortable (John 13:3-1). Their hair was anointed with olive oil scented with spices (Luke 7:36-50).
The guests were seated on the right side of the host with the purpose of honoring them; as a drink of wine diluted with honey was served before the meal. The meal consisted of three courses, beautifully arranged on trays. Finally, a dessert of pastry and fruit was served to the delight of the guests. During the meal the host provided music, poetry readings, and other literature. When the meal was completed there was a long period devoted to discussions. (Holman Bible Dictionary, Paraphrase).
Our sin nature reflects the attitude of the Pharisees unless He anoints our soul-mind with the oil of truth and washes us clean changing our viewpoint, our accepted wisdom, and our self-centered thoughts. Our human perspective gradually mends as we learn to magnify our life through the nourishing insights gifted to us when a mysterious and wondrous portrait of God unfolds through the Holy Spirit's teaching. His loving purpose is to help us react with peace when an angry outcry wrongs us. He reveals unfathomable knowledge on how to cope in each situation life offers, and draws us closer to Him.
We will make mistakes and fall back into our sin nature because we hurt inside; however, Jesus said "I will never leave you or forsake you." His love and the guiding of the Holy Spirit brings us back into a relationship. The spiritual banquet begins with drinking in the new wine of His love initiating joy and peace. We cannot do this alone unless we first learn to forgive ourselves and others. God's purpose for knocking on our hearts door is to give and receive genuine love, not partial love with a hidden agenda.
God's banquet consists of three courses beautifully arranged within served at the moment we believe.
- First the acceptance of Jesus and His sacrifice
- Second the knowledge of God the Father
- Third the filling of His Spirit
"He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father (Revelation 3:21-22 NASB).
In living with a nature that craves sin we will make mistakes as in responding to verbal attacks in-kind. However, when the Holy Spirit directs, it is no longer a task to accept heavenly control, it is a comfort. Protection from a spiritual state-of-mind comes from spending unconditional time with the Lord in order for Him to teach us how to love. Love is God's purpose.
Love Works: (Philemon)
- Love is grateful for the best in others (v4)
- Love seeks the welfare of others (v10)
- Love deals honestly with others (v12)
- Love bears the burdens of others (v18)
Challenge:
I challenge you to accept God's invitation to a spiritual feast when He knocks on your hearts door. What will your reply be to His - - Invitation to Dine?
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