KNOCKING AT THE DOOR (REVELATION 3:14-22)

KNOCKING AT THE DOOR (REVELATION 3:14-22) REFLECTION: THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR The theme for our reflection today is “Knocking at the Door.” In our daily lives, a knock is a universal sign of respect—a request for permission from the occupant before one enters a home. This imagery takes on a profound spiritual weight when…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Dec 19, 2025

4–6 minutes

KNOCKING AT THE DOOR (REVELATION 3:14-22)

REFLECTION: THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR

The theme for our reflection today is “Knocking at the Door.” In our daily lives, a knock is a universal sign of respect—a request for permission from the occupant before one enters a home. This imagery takes on a profound spiritual weight when applied to the city of Laodicea, a crown jewel of the Roman Empire. As the preeminent banking centre of Asia, Laodicea was the most prosperous of the seven cities mentioned in John’s Revelation. Its streets were lined with magnificent estates, many likely owned by Christians who thrived in the city’s flourishing textile industry. Yet, beneath this veneer of material luxury lay a hollow core. The church of Laodicea was affluent in gold but bankrupt in spirit. Their comfort had bred a lethal indifference, prompting the chilling divine assessment: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” (Revelation 3:15). The church of Laodicea was cautioned to repent and remain committed and faithful to the Lord regardless of their affluence.

Many mistakenly believe that being “neither cold nor hot” simply refers to a choice between being a “faithful” or “unfaithful” Christian. However, the truth is more piercing. In the ancient world, lukewarm water was useless—it lacked the medicinal qualities of hot springs and the refreshing clarity of cold streams. To be lukewarm is to be spiritually purposeless. Because the Laodicean Christians prioritized their comfort over their calling, Jesus declared them functionally useless to the Kingdom: “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). We must remember the sobering warning of the Gospel: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:19-20).

Beloved in the Lord, no matter the height of our worldly success, we must remain anchored in humility and diligent service. We cannot allow our earthly wealth to lure us into the trap of self-sufficiency and arrogance. Today, we see “successful” Christians who make significant contributions to the church through donations but remain spiritually blind and impoverished. In too many congregations, giving has devolved into a competitive display of self-glorification. We see economically powerful believers who claim they are “too busy” for Bible study or prayer, citing the relentless demands of business. They have become “Sunday-only” worshippers, refusing to surrender their weekdays to the Lord. They deceive themselves into thinking that God can be appeased by material offerings, but salvation cannot be bought. It is forged through genuine repentance and a life of disciplined discipleship.

The twenty-first-century church is in danger of becoming man-centred rather than Christ-centred, mirroring the very traits that led to Laodicea’s downfall. Many today want to dictate the terms of their own worship, ignoring how and when God expects to be honoured. Jesus’s description of such people is haunting: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realising that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

Yet, there is hope. Jesus always provides a path for the sick to be healed and the proud to be restored. He offers a divine invitation: “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 into 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” (Revelation 3:19-22).

My dear friend, Jesus wants more than your financial contributions; He wants your heart. He desires a “bonded servant” who is morally and spiritually committed to His cause. Do not settle for being a Sunday spectator. Ignite your faith through daily prayer, consistent obedience, and active participation in the life of the church. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, you are a steward of God’s grace. You should not need to be begged to worship the One who gave you everything. What is your excuse for lukewarmness? The mandate is clear: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Be different. Stand out. Even if the world around you becomes like Laodicea, keep your fire burning for Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

“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” (Revelation 3:18).

Almighty God, we confess that we have often sought comfort in our own hands rather than in Your grace. We ask for the “gold refined by fire”—a faith that is tested, pure, and unwavering. Clothe us in Your righteousness so that our spiritual nakedness is covered, and anoint our eyes with Your Spirit so that we may see the world as You see it. Break our hearts and strip away the apathy that hinders our service. Lord, strengthen our resolve to do Your will every hour of every day, that we may be found faithful when You knock in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.