In 1981, I remember a hit song on the radio titled “Somebody’s Knockin’.”  The song would be the first hit for a soulful sounding, piano playing lady named Terri Gibbs.  For me, it was one of those songs I remember all of my life.  I was blessed this past Easter Sunday when Terri Gibbs worshipped with us at Ty Ty.  

The song and the fact that Terri visited our church also connects my memory to one of the Bible verses that is often misapplied.

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 3:20

Most of the time I hear that verse employed as an appeal to an unbeliever to “ask Jesus into your heart.”  A well meaning preacher or witness will present the plan of salvation and then quote the verse above as Biblical admonition to offer Jesus an invitation.

I find two problems with that application.  First of all, salvation is not about me asking Jesus to come into my life, but rather about me surrendering all of my life to Him.  I am not asking Him to join me, I am joining Him.  The second problem with that application is that it misrepresents a most important application for BELIEVERS.

Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain letters Jesus dictated through John to seven CHURCHES across Asia Minor.  Churches. Presumably filled with BELIEVERS.  The verse is less Jesus requesting an unbeliever to let Him in and more of an invitation FROM Jesus to believers to enter a personal and intimate relationship with Him.  We have Jesus’ invitation to talk to Him (prayer) and hear from Him (through the Bible) on a regular basis.

Sadly the verse portrays a church going about its business as usual, but with Jesus on the outside.  It stands as a stark reminder to believers that we can go through the motions and still leave Jesus out of our daily lives.  Do you have regular, meaningful fellowship with Him?  He stands ready, waiting for you.