The Knock

Have you ever been rousted out of bed by an unexpected, urgent knock at your door? Instantly, your heart races and you hurriedly react. If this has happened to you, I hope it was a minor event that you handled in stride. In this age of rampant crime, including home invasions, the security alarm business prospers as people attempt to protect themselves and their property. Sophisticated systems are now available to let you know who is at your door, even when you are not at home.

Even the words of the Bible address this subject. For example, Jesus said it this way: “When the strong man in armour guards his homestead, his property is undisturbed…” (Luke 11:21 Moffatt New Translation). Solomon wisely gave this advice: “A prudent manforesees evil and hides himself…” (Proverbs 27:12).

Most people are mindful of their exposure to physical loss and try to prevent damage or injury or to provide for coverage. An array of insurance plans and warranties are available to accomplish this goal.

While we value physical safety and financial security, what about spiritual matters? Sadly, many appear to think less on the values and rules for living that affect each of us morally and spiritually. In the press of busy, activity-filled lives, we often overlook this vital dimension entirely or let it occupy a very minor role in our lives. This is not a new phenomenon. Solomon decried disinterest in spiritual awareness. He wrote, “Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: ‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?’” (Proverbs 1:20–22, New Revised Standard Version). In the marketplace, the halls of government, and in academia, it seems that knowledge or discussion of the God of the Bible and Jesus Christ as the Messiah is simply off limits. Many in the news media, entertainment, and the business community disdain any reference to the Creator.

Exceptions exist, of course, but they are few and feckless at best. Much of mainstream Christianity has begun to accept homosexuality, gender confusion, and related perversions as acceptable behavior, rejecting direct biblical prohibitions of such activity. Seemingly unending charges of sexual abuse and shocking admissions of wrongdoing plague many well-known religious denominations.

There is a groundswell of concern as people see their lives and culture being adversely affected by the deviate, profligate activities all around them. “What to do?” is a very relevant question at this juncture in history. The answers are found in a book that is probably on a bookshelf in their homes. The Prophet Isaiah made it very plain; “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6–7).

In dealing with the religious establishment of His day, Jesus bluntly quoted Isaiah: “…Hearing you will hear and shall not understand and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull.Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them” (Matthew 13:14–15).

The Living Church of God speaks and explains the Bible’s eternal truths regularly on television, over the Internet, and in print. If you are reading and understanding these important subjects, then God may be opening your mind—as only He can. With hearing and understanding these truths comes a responsibility.

Jesus’ words in the Book of Revelation bring a sharp focus: “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. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:20–22).

Do you hear the knock?

The booklets, programs, and magazines provide at this website—without charge—will be valuable resources as God opens the door and you begin your journey in living His Way and answering His calling.