As a child, I remember visiting my grandparent’s house quite often. Their house always felt peaceful and “strong”. That may sound like a strange word to use when describing a home, but that is what I felt. I felt strength in that place.
My grandparents had taken down a wall that separated the living room and a bedroom to enlarge the living area. We had a very big family, and this helped to accommodate more people, especially during the holidays when everyone would gather for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. In the portion of that large area that had once been the bedroom, there were several old pictures. One particular picture always seemed to draw my attention, and whenever I would visit, I would eventually make my way to that picture and study it. It was a picture of Jesus, standing outside beside a door that would open to a house or building of some kind. It was nighttime in the picture, and Jesus’ hand was raised as if He were about to knock. It was a beautiful picture to me and always made me feel joy.
I’ve often thought about that picture throughout the years, the message it conveyed to me, and why I always felt so drawn to it. There stood Jesus patiently with a look of peace on His face. He has traveled with intention to this particular home and this particular door. He is there with purpose. No sign of worry or stress on His face. He has simply come seeking entry, a visit perhaps, and is about to gently let those dwelling in the home know that He is there and would like to come in. He has nothing with him, no bundles or bags. Only Himself. His life, His heart, His presence. It is all that is needed.
In the back of my mind, I always wondered if the people inside would open the door. The picture doesn’t reveal that. Just His obvious intention to seek entry. The decision to allow Jesus inside belongs to those living in the house. I’ve also often wondered, how many times would Jesus knock before leaving if the door isn’t opened? Once, five times, who can say?
Only
Jesus knows the answer to that question.
