The Knock at the Door

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.

Revelation 3:20

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

How do you react when someone unexpectedly knocks on your door or rings your doorbell? Are you immediately suspicious, wondering whether the person at the door wants to sell you something or harm you in some way? Is your inclination to make sure the curtains are pulled and then ignore it?

The first weekend after we moved to a small rural community a little over a year ago, the evening was quiet and still. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow through our kitchen window and filling the house with gentle warmth. We had just finished our dinner when an unexpected sound broke the silence—a clear, melodic ring of the doorbell echoed through the hallway. Instinctively, we both froze, exchanging uneasy glances. My heart raced as questions swirled in my mind: Who could possibly know we lived here? Was it a stranger, a delivery we hadn’t ordered, or someone in need? The unfamiliarity of our new surroundings amplified my hesitancy; I felt a subtle tension in my chest as I crept toward the window, careful not to be seen.

As I peeked through the window, I caught sight of a friendly looking couple standing on our front doorstep, their faces illuminated by the porch light. They were smiling from ear to ear, radiating warmth and welcome. Their presence seemed to dispel some of my anxiety. When we opened the door, the night air greeted us with a crisp freshness. The couple introduced themselves as our neighbors, their voices kind and reassuring. They handed us a gift bag with a generous housewarming present inside—a gesture that instantly made our unfamiliar new house feel more like home.

 Have you ever sensed God knocking on the door of your heart? How will you respond? Maybe you don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus—this invitation is for you.

However, did you know that today’s verse was originally addressed to believers who had become “lukewarm” in their faith? So, don’t dismiss this message, even if you have been walking with God for a long time. He continually comes to the door of our hearts and knocks. He is always inviting us to a deeper, more soul-satisfying relationship with Him.

His invitation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey of God knocking and us listening for His voice.

There is something remarkable in the way God reaches out to us. God always takes the initiative, declaring, “Here I am,” and stands waiting at the door of our hearts. Rather than forcing a way in—as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe certainly could—God chooses a posture of invitation, respecting our freedom. In seeking a relationship with us, God risks the pain of being turned away. This vulnerability is evident throughout the teachings and life of Jesus, who openly embraced those who misunderstood, doubted, or even rejected him. God’s aim is not to coerce, but to welcome hearts that freely respond to love—a choice that leads to a deeper, more authentic relationship than one built on fear or mere obligation.

If we had not opened the door to our neighbors that day, we would have missed out. They would not have had the opportunity to shower us with their generous gift. We would not have had the opportunity to know these wonderful people. Just as opening our door led to unexpected blessings from our neighbors, opening our hearts to God can lead to even greater gifts. God allows us to choose. If we allow our fear to keep us from opening our heart to Him, we will miss the beautiful gifts He offers, and the most life-changing relationship we will ever experience.

When our neighbors came to our door that day, they didn’t ask to step inside and share coffee or laughter at our kitchen table—they simply delivered their gift and left. Jesus’ invitation is different. He isn’t content just to make an appearance or leave a package at our doorstep. He longs to come in, to settle in the warmth of our home, and to linger at the table with us.

Imagine the meal He offers: the table set with abundant goodness, the glow of candlelight softening the room, the gentle hum of conversation filling the air. There’s no rush—just a sense of belonging, acceptance, and joy that makes you feel entirely at ease. In His presence, burdens lift and hearts open, because Jesus desires more than a passing interaction—He wants true fellowship, deep conversation, and the chance to nourish our souls. His invitation is to more than a meal; it’s to a relationship defined by trust, and lasting connection.

Will you take a moment today to listen for His voice and open the door of your heart? Take a moment to pause, quiet your heart, and listen for God’s gentle invitation. Whether you’re curious, hesitant, or longing for deeper connection, choose to respond—welcome Him in, and let His presence fill your life with warmth, belonging, and purpose. Don’t miss the gifts and the joy waiting beyond the threshold. Continually say yes to this relationship that transforms, comforts, and sustains. Open your heart and let your journey with Jesus begin anew.

Prayer – Jesus, I sense You standing at the door of my heart right now. Just as I once hesitated to open my door to unfamiliar faces, I hear Your voice gently inviting me to welcome You in. You see there are places in my heart, the walls I’ve built out of past disappointments, and the distractions that draw my focus away from You. Help me to let go of these hesitations and step beyond my resistance. I want to open my heart completely, to surrender my worries, and allow Your presence to fill every corner of my life. There is truly nothing better, no greater joy, than living in constant communion with You.