There is a work for all to do to open the door of the heart to the heavenly visitor. The Lord of glory, who has redeemed us by His own blood, seeks admittance; but too often we do not welcome Him in. Worldliness does not incline us to throw wide open the door of the heart at the knock of Him who is seeking entrance. Some open the door slightly, and permit a little light from His presence to enter; but they do not bid Him hearty welcome. There is no room for Jesus; the place which should have been reserved for Him is occupied with other things. He entreats, and for a time they feel inclined to hear and open the door; but even this inclination departs, and they fail to secure the communion with the heavenly guest which it was their privilege to have.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock,” says the Saviour. The mansions in glory are His, and the joy of that heavenly abode; yet He humbles Himself to seek an entrance at the door of the heart, that He may bless us with His light, and make us to rejoice in His glory. His work is to seek and to save that which is lost and ready to perish. He will redeem from sin and death all who will come to Him; and will elevate them to His throne, and give them everlasting life.
Jesus will not force open the door of the heart. We must open it ourselves, and show that we desire His presence by giving Him a sincere welcome. If all would make thorough work of clearing away the world’s rubbish, and preparing a place for Jesus, He would enter, and abide with them, and would do a great work through them for the salvation of others. But many receive not the tokens of God’s mercy and loving-kindness with thankful hearts; they do not bend their energies and unite their interests in His work, and they do not share in the blessing that He is waiting to bestow.
“If any man hear My voice,” says Christ, “and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” These words are not addressed simply to the more intelligent and refined, but to all, without respect of persons.—The Signs of the Times, February 10, 1887.
Further Reflection: The opening of the heart to Jesus is something that each of us must do before He can enter. What areas of my heart remain closed to Jesus? JNN 164
The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God. COL 97
Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”—Luke 7:16. NKJV