‘BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR’

Sir,

The final church that Christ addresses in B is the church in Laodecia. The downward slide began with a loss of first love in Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7) and it culminates with total apostasy in Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22).

Let’s have a brief summary of the seven churches which Christ addresses in Revelations 2 and 3. The first is the apostolic period (Ephesus: 31-100 AD), this is followed by a period of persecution and trouble for the church (Smyrna: 100-313 AD), and it was then followed by a period of union with the state and compromise on many of its principles (Pergamos: 313-538AD).

The fourth period was the Dark Ages (Thyatira: 538-1517 AD). The fifth period was a time of Reformation (Sardis: 1517-1755AD). The sixth period was a time of brotherly love (Philadelphia: 1755-1844AD). A time when the exciting games of the Reformation began to be lost sight of and doctrine became more important than practice. The seventh period is the period of falling away and worldwide mission (Laodicea: 1844-present).

This last period of church history has been a time of worldwide mission but it has also been a time of falling away; a time when we see society in great decline and law and order breaking down. To Laodicea, Jesus says; “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice and opens the door I will come to him and will dine with him, and he with me (Rev 3:20). This means we are living in the last days, Christ is at the door. In the language of the New Testament the statement ‘at the door’ means the end is near (Matt. 24:33; Mark 13:29), and the fellowship meal points to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7–9). The description of Jesus as ‘faithful and true’ compares similarly to the description of the one coming on a white horse to judge righteously and make war (Rev. 19:11).

This statement also appeals to each and every individual. Note the words ‘if anyone hears’. Christ is standing and this clearly marks out the loving patience of the Lord and His desire for our fellowship.

He stands, knocks and speaks. His speech is an invitation for men to open up the doors to their hearts and to invite Christ in for fellowship. Not only does Christ promise to come into the life of the one who invites Him but again a special blessing is promised to the believer who overcomes. He is promised the privilege of sitting with Christ on His throne. This means the privilege and right to share in Christ’s authority and rule during the millennium.

The basis of this is ‘as Christ overcame and sat down’. The real victory over death, sin and satan was accomplished by Christ in His life, death and resurrection. Because of His sinless life and perfect obedience to the Father’s plan; even the death of the cross, He overcame sin, satan and death and was granted the right and authority as the God-man to sit with the Father until he makes His enemies the footstool for His feet (Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:3, 13).

By our union and identification with Him in His person and work, and through our faithfulness in the conflict as we draw upon His life as the source of ours, we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. This is truly amazing because whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him

Bopoto Gwinyai

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