If Any Man Hear My Voice – Revelation 3
‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ — Revelation 3:20
The messages of Christ to the seven churches in Asia are fascinating and convicting. In Revelation 3, the church at Sardis is basically a church in name only. Other than their name, they are dead. Christ challenges them to strengthen the things which remain, to remember, to hold fast, and to repent. He commends a few who are living righteously. He promises white raiment and to keep the names of those who overcome in the book of life.
The church at Philadelphia is the church of the open door (3:7-13). They use what little strength they have to keep Christ’s Word and stay true to His name. Christ promises to humble the false religion which opposes them. He also promises to keep them from the hour of temptation which will come on all the world (likely a reference to the rapture). He promises to come quickly and to reward those who overcome.
Finally, the church of the Laodiceans is the lukewarm church (3:14-22). This church was neither cold nor hot. They just coasted along, content in their material wealth and possessions. They were unaware of how spiritually poor, blind, and naked they were. This strong rebuke was done in love to help them repent. Christ wanted to enjoy close fellowship with them, but they had to open the door. The reward for overcoming by faith would be to sit with Christ in His throne.
These assessments, encouragements, and rebukes from Christ challenge us to open wide the door to Christ. We want to fellowship with Him. We want to live for Him. And we want to be rewarded by Him. Let us open the door to Him today.