Advent Devotional
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock'
Read the Scripture passage several times and meditate on the image. Reflect.
Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Some questions for reflection:
- What word, idea, or sentence from the Scripture reading stands out for you?
- What about the image stands out for you?
- What does it mean to be lukewarm?
- What is the problem with the Laodicean congregation? What don't they realize?
- What does Christ offer?
- How might the door of your heart be closed to Christ? How might you open it to Him?
- What is the invitation and promise that Christ offers at the end of the Scripture reading?
- What is Jesus saying to you?
- What is Jesus calling you to do?
Artwork: William Holman Hunt, 'The Light of the World,' Manchester City Art Gallery (1851-6).
For more information on the painting, see here. If you are reading this on a mobile device, you will have to follow this link to see the full-size image.