We started with an imaginative practice for the first postcard, now let’s end with one of an oft-quoted verse from the Revelation, six letters later. It’s easy to use our imagination on the very word picture Jesus himself gives us. Our goal today is to connect with Jesus and hear what he has to say personally to us.
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:19-20
Revelation 3:14-22, is an important context for his statement. Jesus is talking to the most affluent, industrious and self-sufficient city of all the seven letters. Imagine the tone of his voice telling you this message and feel the words. He is motivated by love.
Imagine you are standing in a wealthy, industrious, self-sufficient city with myriads of doors of opportunity. One of the doors is your life and Jesus is standing on the other side. He is always standing there ready, waiting for you to respond, to take the initiative to open the door. It could be for the first time or hundredth time, because he desires a continual, vital relationship with you. If there is something stopping you from opening the door, ask him to help you. Imagine what your first moments of meeting might be like.
You have opened the door and Jesus has come in to dine with you. Relax and embrace the closeness you have with Jesus. Share with him the feast of your dreams. Imagine your conversation and what he has to tell you over dinner. Take time to listen to everything he has to say to you.
The seven letters from Jesus are unlike any other part of the Bible. In this letter, the door is a symbol of access, and Jesus is giving it to you. He wants you to know his Father God like he does and enjoy life eternal with him. What is Jesus saying to you in this letter? How about the other letters we’ve studied together?
By Donna Burns
