Title: Responding to Christ’s Call
Introduction:
Good morning, beloved congregation. Today, we are going to delve into the powerful words of Jesus found in Revelation 3:20-22. These verses contain an invitation from Christ himself, calling us to open the door of our hearts and allow him to come in and dine with us. This invitation is not just for the church in Laodicea, but for each and every one of us today. It is a call to respond to Christ’s love and grace, and to allow him to transform our lives. Let us open our hearts and minds to receive this message and respond to Christ’s call.
I. The Invitation of Christ (Revelation 3:20)
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.” This powerful image of Jesus standing at the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to open up to him, is a reminder of his unfailing love and desire to have a personal relationship with each one of us.
Jesus is not a distant and unapproachable God, but a loving Savior who longs to come into our lives and fellowship with us. He stands at the door of our hearts, patiently waiting for us to respond to his call. He does not force his way in, but gently invites us to open up to him. Will we respond to his invitation?
II. The Response to Christ’s Call (Revelation 3:21)
In Revelation 3:21, Jesus says, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” This verse reminds us that responding to Christ’s call requires us to overcome the obstacles and challenges that stand in the way of our relationship with him.
To respond to Christ’s call means to surrender our will and desires to him, to trust in his plan for our lives, and to follow him wholeheartedly. It means to overcome the distractions and temptations of this world, and to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. It means to walk in obedience and faith, knowing that he has overcome the world and has prepared a place for us in his kingdom.
III. The Promise of Christ (Revelation 3:22)
In Revelation 3:22, Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This final verse serves as a reminder that the invitation of Christ is not just for the church in Laodicea, but for all who have ears to hear and hearts to respond. It is a call to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us through the Word of God and guides us in our response to Christ’s call.
The promise of Christ is that if we respond to his invitation, he will come in and dine with us, he will grant us a place on his throne, and he will be with us always. Let us heed the voice of the Spirit and respond to Christ’s call with faith and obedience, knowing that he is faithful to fulfill his promises and to transform our lives.
Conclusion:
Beloved congregation, the invitation of Christ is before us today. He stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to open up to him. Will we respond to his call? Will we overcome the obstacles and challenges that stand in the way of our relationship with him? Will we listen to the voice of the Spirit and follow Christ with faith and obedience?
May we open our hearts to Jesus, respond to his call, and experience the transforming power of his love and grace in our lives. May we walk in fellowship with him, overcome the world, and inherit the promises of his kingdom. May we be a church that listens to the voice of the Spirit and responds to Christ’s call with faith and obedience. Amen.