We used to all love pretending to knock on the door and make loads of noise.
I remember thinking that song was a bit weird when it talks about eating with Jesus, as a child I thought ‘What does that mean? I can’t eat with Jesus!’ But now I realise that eating is a sign of friendship, which is what Jesus offers to us when we welcome Him into our lives.
At the time of writing this we’re in lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic. Day 35 to be precise. 35 days since I’ve hugged my friends and family. It feels so strange to not have friendly faces knocking on the door, coming over for a coffee, a catch-up, or for some dinner.
We don’t know how long we’ll be confined to our homes and separate from friends and family, and that uncertainty can be hard to deal with. But there’s one thing, however, that we can be absolutely certain of… we’re not alone. Jesus wants to be a part of our ‘day to day’, He wants to join us as we navigate the highs and lows of life. He knocks on the door of our lives and wants to come in.
The artist Holman Hunt painted a really famous picture called The Light of the World. In it we see Jesus knocking on a door which is covered in weeds and looking pretty rusty. Hunt made a decision when he painted the door to leave it without a handle, which means the only way for the door to be opened is from the inside. Jesus doesn’t push His way in or force us to live life following Him, He gives us the freedom to choose whether we open the door to Him. But, if we do, He promises in the Bible that He’ll be with us always, until the end of time.
Now, the strange thing is, when you’re reading this we might still be in lockdown, or it might be over. Right now, in this moment on a grey and rainy Tuesday, we don’t know how long it will last. And whether today you find yourself separate from your friends or family, whether you’re feeling peaceful or uncertain, be certain of this – Jesus’ friendship and love is available for us all and, when we accept that love, we’re changed from within.
Be certain of this too – Jesus offers us comfort when we feel uncomfortable, and He offers us His presence when we feel alone. He promises to never abandon us and to never fail us. He’s a firm foundation on which we can build our lives. The questions is, have you opened to door to Him?
Photo by Jon Tyson.
