As Jeff Manion begins Chapter 19 (“Someone’s at the Door”) of Satisfied, he states that, for many of us, our mental image of Jesus has been shaped by artist Warner Sallman’s famous painting Head of Christ. Yet another of Sallman’s paintings hung on a wall in my childhood bedroom, directly opposite my bed. It was titled Christ at Heart’s Door and was inspired by Revelation 3:20 and its riveting image of Jesus at the door:
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Pastor Manion notes that this image becomes even more powerful when viewed through a first-century lens. In the Israelite culture of that time, bread was dipped into common bowls that contained mixtures of herbs, oils, and condiments. As the author states, “when you are with someone you ate with someone.” To share a meal was to share a life.
The same Jesus who dined with Matthew and his tax collector friends asks to come in and dine with us. He offers us friendship and companionship on our desert, land between journey following our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. Jesus is knocking at our heart’s door. Are we truly ready to open it?
Today’s question: Through the Holy Spirit’s power, have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to journey with you as you revision and revitalize your calling? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the Annotated Bibliography of Satisfied
