"The Gift of Knocking"
I live on the corner of one of the most popular streets in Princeton on Halloween. Spruce street becomes over populated with hundreds of families dressed in costumes anticipating the big haul of candy from many generous neighbors. Many, like me, decorate their homes and lawns with spooky ooky creatures and sound effects. Porch lights are proudly turned on as if to say, "Please come here!" At each well lit home the costumed children come carrying their buckets and bags in anticipation of something sweet. Over 300 come to my house, knock on the door and when opened they shout, "Trick-or-Treat" and hold out their bucket or bag fully expecting a reward. You know what? They get it. Their just reward for being brave enough to knock on the door is the sweet taste of chocolate, licorice and candy. They say thank you and head off to the next stop. After all, they received their gift from knocking. I have received the gift of their joy by simply opening up the door.
Jesus desires that we receive the gift of his knocking. Today's scripture tells us that Jesus stands at the door of our heart knocking. He promises that if we open the door then he will come in and "eat with us." This is the hospitality that was expected of biblical people. If someone came to your door, you invited them in. We have become so weary of those that come to our door that we open it just a crack to see who is there or peer through the window and decide to pretend that we are not home. But this is Jesus knocking on our heart with his unconditional love. Because we are God's children, our porch light is automatically on inviting Jesus to come knocking. He knows where we live and loves to knock on doors. Many are apprehensive to open the door for fear that Jesus won't really come in to our lives. "How can he really love me?" we say. We fear that we are not good enough, or Christian enough or righteous enough. Jesus does not address those character traits here. That's not what is important. It's our response. He simply invites us to open the door to allow him to love you.
Today,don't be afraid to open the door of your heart to Jesus' knocking. You will receive a gift that is much greater than candy... it's the love of God. Experience the gift of knocking as you open your door today.
Sharing in Faith,
Rev. Craig W. Duke
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