by Carmen Fleming
All those I dearly love I unmask and train. So repent and be eager to pursue what is right. Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.
And to the one who conquers I will give the privilege of sitting with me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. The one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is saying now to the churches.
Revelation 3:19-22 TPT
My imagination is captured by an artistic rendition of this scripture showing Jesus calling in the dark. He stands holding a light waiting to be let inside. Maybe because it’s our choice, since the doorknob is on our side. To feast with Jesus was an invitation to an international family meal. To become family meant there were cultural and social barriers to overcome.
The concept of unity in Christ runs throughout the Scriptures. The David in Psalm 86:11 says that our own heart and mind needs to be unified in dedication and worship towards God. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:5 (MSG) that, we have “one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.”
The worldwide pandemic has forced us behind closed doors. It has exposed the dark underbelly of our institutions marred by injustice and a deep divisiveness on how societal issues in general should be resolved. Can we ignore the knock on our collective hearts? How do we hear Jesus’ invitation to his table today? If we could hear his prayer we might hear “Father, may they be one as we are one, so the world may believe.”
Since the heart that is open listens carefully, I invite you to listen like this:
- Find a quiet place without distractions.
- Read and ponder for a moment Revelation 3:19-22 above.
- Pray: “Lord give me ears to hear.”
- Take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes. Relax and imagine yourself feasting at Jesus’ table. What are you thinking? and feeling? Discuss it with him.
- Stay still and listen. If distracting thoughts come let them go and repeat “Lord, give me ears to hear.” Listen for any scriptures or images that might bring comfort or for an invitation to participate in any activities that promote the unity that the world needs.
- As you go about your day listen for Jesus’ knock on your heart and the grace to respond.