I stand at the Door and Knock

Marilyn Appleby

Many of you will be familiar with this painting by Del Parson. It’s often referred to as: ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’, but its title is actually ‘Jesus at the Door’. However, the painting is a reminder of the Bible verse from Revelation 3:20.

In the account from Acts 16 we hear how a lady called Lydia sought to know more about Jesus through Paul’s preaching. Verse 14 says: ‘The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message’. You can picture her listening intently to Paul and wanting to know more. She fully opened the door of her heart inviting Jesus in and she and her family were subsequently baptised.

Jesus knocks on the door of everyone’s hearts, but not all respond by opening that door. Some have a peek but then firmly close the door again without fully finding out about the grace, forgiveness and love they will find by letting the person of Jesus Christ into their lives. Let’s pray for those we know and love, who do not yet know Jesus, that they will open the door wide to welcome Him in.

‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’.
Revelation 3:20